Architect Frank Gehry travelled to Spain to receive a prestigious award but shocked his hosts by responding to a reporter's question with an obscene gesture and making contemptuous comments about most modern architecture.

Frank Gehry

Gehry shocked his hosts Thursday with the obscene gesture and biting comments about modern architecture. (J.L. Cereijido/EPA)

The American-Canadian was in the northern city of Oviedo to accept one of Spain's Prince of Asturias prizes Friday.

Local media reported that on the eve of the ceremony, Gehry reacted with a rude gesture at a news conference when asked if his work was based on spectacle.

Gehry said 98 per cent of buildings today lack sensitivity and respect for humanity, according to El Pais.

He has created the Guggenheim Museum in Spain, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, an arts centre sponsored by the LVMH Fashion Group.