Paying Tribute to the Influential Architects We Have Lost in 2023
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As we step into the new year, we take a moment to reflect on the lasting impact of celebrated architects, designers, and curators who passed away in 2023. This past year witnessed the departure of influential figures who, through their talent and dedication, left an indelible mark on the built environment. Some embarked on their careers with bold gestures that reshaped architectural paradigms, while others worked quietly, placing a profound focus on the human experience or the invisible figures of out profession.
This reflective pause allows us to acknowledge the enduring legacy of personalities such as India's first Pritzker Prize Laureate, Balkrishna Doshi, the tireless womens rights advocate Beverly Willis, the first curator of the Venice Architecture Biennale, Paolo Portoghesi, writer, critic and curator Jean-Louis Cohen, and many more.
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Read on to explore the work and enduring influence of celebrated architects who have passed away during the past year.
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It seems I should take an oath and remember it for my lifetime: to provide the lowest class with the proper dwelling. - Balkrishna Doshi
The first Indian architect to become a Pritzker Prize Laureate, Balkrishna Doshi is celebrated worldwide as a pioneer of Indian modernism, driving functionality from a joyful and humanistic approach to building, and inspiring generations of young practitioners with words of wisdom reflecting the timelessness of his structures. His professional career began as a mentee of Le Corbusier, followed by a collaboration with Louis Kahn, whom Doshi invited to design the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. These international collaborations strengthened Indias emerging status as a laboratory of Modernism. But Doshis influence went beyond this. As an educator and visionary, he understood architecture as a celebration of life, integrating the hopes and needs of Indians from all classes with a deep respect for history and traditions, and imagination for building opportunities for enjoyable moments, he paved the way for the evolution of contemporary Indian architecture.
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Architecture is not simply an artistic endeavor, or a mere technical or organizational challenge, it is a social practice with a significant impact on the collective environment far beyond the effects of its initial visualization. It is this responsibility towards the environment that defines the profession's scope of competence. - Rafael Violy
Uruguayan-born and New York-based architect Rafael Violy Beceiro was known for his bold designs which often became recognizable landmarks in their cities skyline. From the unusually shaped and controversial 20 Fenchurch Tower in London to the Tokyo International Forum, the new Carrasco Airport in Montevideo or the super-thin 432 Park Avenue in New York City, Violys works address a wide range of scales, uses, and themes, leaving behind a legacy of over 600 structures around the world.
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Its kind of ludicrous to say commercial architecture in itself is not worth our best efforts, because what, in fact, influences the life of the average person in our urban areas more than commercial architecture? Cities are made up of commercial buildings. Designing quality architecture for commercial buildings is the contribution we intend to make. - Eugene Kohn
Eugene Kohn co-founded Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) in 1976, along with partners William Pedersen and Sheldon Fox, helping to shape it into one of the most impactful architectural practices worldwide. He gained recognition for his ability to foster agreement between designers and developers, developing innovative solutions at the interplay of architecture and commerce. As an educator, he shared his knowledge through teaching roles at Harvard, Columbia, and his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania.
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If you look at just carbon emissions, what we do for a livingbuilding buildings, running buildings, all that is 50 percent of all the carbon emissions in the United States. [] Well thats both sort of dreadful and wonderful at the same time. [] The opportunity is, because its so concentrated, a relatively smaller group of people can do something about it. - Bill Hellmuth
William (Bill) Hellmuth became president and CEO of the internationally recognized architecture office HOK, a tenure during which he helped shape the offices profile, combining innovation and influence. For his colleagues, Hellmuth was known as a hands-on leader, contributing to notable projects globally while remaining eagerly engaged with his team. An advocate for sustainable design, he led HOK's efforts in green-certified projects and fostered pro-bono initiatives. Beyond architecture, Hellmuth prioritized mentorship, career advancement, and charitable contributions, rounding up a career that will be remembered for his optimism and dedication to improving peoples lives.
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My design philosophy is nature. Understanding the forms of nature. The shape that we give to the material of architecture completely summarizes its functionality, aesthetics and its symbolic message. However these forms of nature cannot be imitated, they must be understood. - Paolo Portoghesi
Italian architect Paolo Portoghesi was the first director of the Venice Architecture Biennale. In 1980, Portoghesi curated "The Presence of the Past," the first International Architecture Exhibition, featuring renowned architects like Frank Gehry and Rem Koolhaas. He later served as President of the Biennale until 1992. Notable architectural works include the Papanice House (1968), the Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center in Rome (1984-1995), the Renaissance district in Parco Talenti (2001), and the Strasbourg Mosque (2012). An esteemed academic, he taught the history of criticism and served as dean at Milan Polytechnic.
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I have never met someone so focused, so productive, so relentless in his search for architecture, publishing more than fifty books and curating so many key exhibitions. Beatriz Colomina on Jean-Louis Cohen
Architect, critic, and curator Jean-Louis Cohen, aged 74, passed away on August 7. As the Sheldon H. Solow Chair of Architectural History at NYU since 1994, Cohen curated prestigious exhibitions worldwide. His extensive literary contributions include books such as "Building a New New World" (2020) and "Le Corbusier: An Atlas of Modern Landscapes" (2013). Cohen also led the development of the Cit de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris, which opened in 2007, and curated influential exhibitions like "The Lost Vanguard" (2007) and the French Pavilion at the 2014 Venice Biennale.
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Architecture has to be humane, and its intent the pursuit of true ideals, of true democracy, of equality, and of inclusion of all people. - Raymond Moriyama
Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, co-founder of Moriyama Teshima Architects is the designer behind some of Canadas most influential buildings. Renowned for structures such as the Canadian War Museum, Ontario Science Center, and the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, Moriyama focused on creating humane buildings reflecting ideals of democracy, equality, and inclusivity.
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I am an artist, after all. You know, real art and real architecture cannot be totally legal; very often, both are in direct conflict with legality. - Zvi Hecker
Polish-Israeli architect Zvi Hecker has become recognized for his geometric, modular, and yet asymmetric designs, often drawing inspiration from the patterns of sunflower seeds. His notable works include the Spiral Apartment House in Ramat Gan (19811989), Heinz-Galinski-Schule in Berlin (19921995), and a crystal-like Synagogue in the Negev Desert (1969). Hecker's impactful career spanned architecture, painting, illustration, and furniture design.
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I think its important to try to break out of that bubble. Architects should be reaching out in every way possible to the general public. Because right now the profession basically talks to themselves. - Beverly Willis
American architect and gender equality advocate Beverly Willis has dedicated her career to breaking gender barriers in architecture and creating space for women in a traditionally male-dominated profession. The question Can you name five female architects? became a sort of motto for her endeavors, as she noticed that most had difficulties naming even a couple. To address this, created a Foundation to promote and recognize female practitioners. She also led a successful studio in San Francisco, completing over 800 projects nationwide. Across programs and scales, her designs promoted a humanistic concern for the occupant and favored the adaptive reuse of historical structures.
He is a giant of radical thought on human spaces, a sophisticated historian of Italian design, a visionary artist capable of ironically inhabiting other universes and parallel worlds. Stefano Boeri
Italian designer and architect Andrea Branzi, co-founded Archizoon Associati, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary design. His iconic Superonda Sofa showcased his commitment to reimagining ergonomic relationships with objects. The No-Stop-City project challenged traditional urban design, envisioning the city as an ever-expanding grid. As a design philosopher, Branzi fused industrial design with natural elements, explored various mediums, and showcased his versatility in exhibitions such as "Architecture Belongs to the Theater."
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Year in Review, presented by Randers Tegl.
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Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.
Excerpt from:
Paying Tribute to the Influential Architects We Have Lost in 2023 - ArchDaily
- Demolition of Mary Miss's art at Des Moines Art Center paused - The Architect's Newspaper - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- AIANY and ASLANY announce transportation and infrastructure awards - The Architect's Newspaper - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- Termites are nature's architects, building well-ventilated nests - Earth.com - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- JSA/MIXdesign share its work for the Queens Museum and champion participatory design processes - The Architect's Newspaper - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- County okays agreement with architect for renovation county office building - WspyNews - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- hiroyuki ito architects' tenjincho place is a curving slice of nature in tokyo - Designboom - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- An international competition seeks to find a design team for Helsinki's New Museum of Architecture and Design - The Architect's Newspaper - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- Coachella debuts its 2024 art installations by Morag Myerscough, HANNAH, and Nebbia - The Architect's Newspaper - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- New University of Mississippi Architect Contributes to 1000 Projects and Counting The Local Voice - The Local Voice - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- Similar, but not the same: How qualifying as an architect differs between the US and UK - Building Design - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- Charles E. Dagit Jr., award-winning architect, civic leader, and champion sailor, has died at 80 - The Philadelphia Inquirer - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- Renowned architect to visit Stuckeman to juror student design competition - Penn State University - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- Architects win citation for Raleigh County Sheriff's Office Headquarters design - MSN - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- Trial begins for man accused of throwing Des Moines architect over a railing to his death in 2016 - KCCI Des Moines - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- 'It will be breathtaking,' Notre Dame's chief architect says; iconic cathedral reopens Dec. 8 - Detroit Catholic - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- The reflection of a city in motion. West Bund Orbit by Wutopia Lab | The Strength of Architecture | From 1998 - Metalocus - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
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- Architecture and the Right to Housing - Canadian Architect - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- Architect Tipton Housewright Says Too Much Parking is 'Bad Urban Design' - CandysDirt.com - CandysDirt.com - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- Why architects sorely need a new approach to resourcing projects - Architect's Journal - April 17th, 2024 [April 17th, 2024]
- former textile workshop transforms into modern machiya residence in kyoto - Designboom - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- MoDus Architects wraps school in tartan pattern for "warmth and familiarity" - Dezeen - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Architect Eyal Weizman on Mapping Israel's Genocidal Campaign - Democracy Now! - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Aural Art Show Brings Aestheticism to Architects - PantherNOW - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- 125 Greenwich Street by Rafael Violy Architects catches fire in Manhattan while under construction - The Architect's Newspaper - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Barcelona Architects Association visit the Spotify Camp Nou works - FC Barcelona - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Disagree Better Architects, Not Arsonists - National Governors Association - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Construction Underway for Music Venue in Midtown Sacramento - San Francisco YIMBY - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- House of Reclaimed Gold / OutOfTheBox I Eco-Architects - ArchDaily - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Baracco+Wright Architects realizes a light-filled back building - The Architect's Newspaper - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- HMC Architects is one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies of 2 - Fast Company - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- AE Works Announces Strategic Acquisition of WTW Architects, a Pillar in Pittsburgh's Architectural Legacy - StreetInsider.com - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- DINGWALL Streams ARCHITECTS' Bassist Ripping Through "Doomsday" - GearGods - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Exclusive: Connie Booth, One of the Chief Architects of PlayStation's First-Party Studio System, Is Joining EA - IGN - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Bookstore in the Blast Furnace / hyperSity architects - ArchDaily - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- The Dalmore Luminary Series 2024 Edition revealed - Wallpaper* - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- MAD Architects' Forthcoming Lishui Airport: a White-Feathered Bird Ready to Soar - Archilovers.com - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Neon surprises await in this Cologne home by DIIIP architects - Yahoo Lifestyle UK - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Count down to Architect'24, the ASEAN's largest building technology exposition - Nation Thailand - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- foster + partners designs 'the star,' a hollywood tower wrapped in spiraling gardens - Designboom - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Kasper architects + associates Inc. seeks DDRB approval for facade renovation of Downtown office | Jax Daily Record - Jacksonville Daily Record - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Fernando Lara looks beyond famed architects to uncover deeper themes throughout history | Penn Today - Penn Today - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Photographing the BEM - The shared learning building (BEM) at cole Polytechnique - World-Architects - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Among the Clouds Art Center / Yuan Architects - ArchDaily - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- The Most Talented Landscape Architects in Arizona - Iconic Life - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Gallery of MVRDV, Orange Architects, and LOLA Unveil WrtZ Masterplan in the Netherlands - 2 - ArchDaily - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- MVRDV, Orange Architects, and LOLA Unveil WrtZ Masterplan in the Netherlands - ArchDaily - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Why Architects Should Watch "Perfect Days by Wim Wenders - Archilovers.com - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Croxatto and Opazo Architects front Chilean home with rotated terrace - Dezeen - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Exploring the Legacy of Modernist Landscape Architect Dan Kiley - ArchDaily - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Rethinking Marketing? The Rise of Narrative Architects | by Meir Amarin | Jan, 2024 - Medium - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Check Out This Ultra-Luxe Half-Floor Residence At One Thousand Museum By Zaha Hadid Architects Asking $8.5 Million - PROFILE Miami - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- 16 Materials Every Architect Needs to Know (And Where to Learn About Them) - ArchDaily - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Holcim and Zaha Hadid Architects team up to print circular bridge - Global Construction Review - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- MSG withdraws its application to build a Sphere in London - The Architect's Newspaper - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Kooo Architects designs rural hotel to blend with village in China - Dezeen - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Deep-finned colonnade frames home extension by Will Gamble Architects - Dezeen - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Designer and Architect Neri Oxman Accused of Plagiarism - Hyperallergic - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- With 'Hand and Machine,' architects revert to analogue forms of expression - STIRworld - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Ontario landscape architects seek legislative update for profession - qpbriefing.com - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Five international work opportunities for architects and designers - Dezeen - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Architects OMA reinvent the art museum in Buffalo - The Globe and Mail - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Architect Shigeru Ban of Japan visits Maui to offer sustainable housing option in wake of wildfire - Maui Now - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- James Gunn shares photo of some of the DCU architects - Batman-News - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- MAD architects' nanhai art center in china emerges from the lake like endless ripple of water - Designboom - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- MAD Architects imagines Nanhai Art Center like "a continuous wave of water" in Foshan city - World Architecture Community - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Preliminary Application for 1581 University Avenue in Central Berkeley - San Francisco YIMBY - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Kapoor named new CEO of DMR Architects - ROI-NJ.com - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Kadre and Lehrer Architects team up for a new transitional housing community in Los Angeles - Archinect - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- sa Hjort Architects completes blocky home on Sweden's southern coast - Dezeen - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Repurposed Imperfection-Embraced Buildings - Trend Hunter - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Architects recommend awnings for temperature control, design accents - Palm Beach Daily News - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Vote for US Building of the Year 2023 - - World-Architects - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Client Solution Architects Achieves ISO Recertification for IT, InfoSec, Quality Management Systems; Tim Spadafore ... - ExecutiveBiz - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- The Multiple Facets of the Architect: Exploring the Works of lvaro Siza Vieira - ArchDaily - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Meet the American Institute of Architects' First Black Woman President - The Story Exchange - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Civic Architects and VDNDP "embrace imperfections" for university retrofit - Dezeen - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Architect Coke Florance Remembered for Influencing Nation's Capital and Colleagues - CoStar Group - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Five international work opportunities for architects and designers - MSN - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- 2023 Year in Review: Andrew West, Elkus Manfredi Architects - New England Real Estate Journal Online - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]