After a pregnant pause, Mr. Gehry went on to elaborate.

"Let me tell you one thing. In this world we are living in, 98 per cent of everything that is built and designed today is pure shit. There's no sense of design, no respect for humanity or for anything else. They are damn buildings and that's it.

Once in a while, however, there's a small group of people who does something special. Very few. But good god, leave us alone! We are dedicated to our work. I don't ask for work. I don't have a publicist. I'm not waiting for anyone to call me. I work with clients who respect the art of architecture. Therefore, please don't ask questions as stupid as that one."

He later apologized, saying he was jet lagged and the question caught him at a "bad moment."

He was in Oviedo, Spain so King Felipe could present him Friday with a prestigious Prince of Asturias prize for those who make notable achievements in the sciences, humanities, and public affairs.