Architecture Update: A wacky American Center in Paris

THE NEW American Center in Paris, designed by Frank Gehry, opens next week. Gehry's last building in France was at EuroDisney. Like his other buildings, the wacky American Center gives the appearance of having been hit by an earthquake, with walls and roofs set at bizarre angles. When this was put to him, Gehry replied that he felt pleased especially as a Californian, since it suggested his work was close to nature. Gehry gives a lecture this Saturday at the annual Academy Forum event - tickets sold out months ago.