Uruguayan Architect Of London’s ‘Walkie Talkie’ Dies Aged 78

• His name is Rafael Viñoly

• His death was announced by his son, Román

• His work features in more than 600 structures around the world

Eko Hot Blog reports that Rafael Viñoly, the world-renowned Uruguayan architect who designed buildings including London’s so-called Walkie Talkie, has died aged 78.

EDITOR’S PICKS

• Weekly Gist With Annie: My Love-hate Experience At NYSC Camp

• India: Disruption Arises During G20 Peace Talk

• Japan: Controversies Rise Over PM’s LGBTQ Comments

Viñoly’s death was announced by his son, Román, who described him as a “visionary” who leaves “a rich legacy of distinctive and timeless designs”.

He established Rafael Viñoly Architects in 1983 and his work features in more than 600 structures around the world.

He died in hospital, reportedly from an aneurysm, in New York City on Thursday.

Román Viñoly said his father’s designs “manifested in some of the world’s most recognisable” structures and that he would be missed “by all those whose lives he touched through his work”.

Born in Montevideo in 1944, Viñoly moved to Buenos Aires at the age of five with his mother, a maths teacher, and theatre director father.

He studied architecture at the University of Buenos Aires and while he was still a student, was a founding member in the successful firm Estudio de Arquitectura.

The military junta in Argentina prompted him and his family to emigrate to the United States. He secured a teaching position at Harvard University before establishing his eponymous practice in New York.

His designs spanned office and residential buildings, hotels, concert halls, stadiums and airports across the world.

The “Walkie Talkie” skyscraper attracted controversy in 2013 when sunlight reflected off its mirrored concave side and melted various parts on a luxury car parked nearby.

Viñoly also faced complaints from residents in 432 Park Avenue, a residential building he designed in New York, who reported banging and creaking noises coming from the 85-floor tower.

The Tokyo International Forum, the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia and the Cleveland Museum of Art are among the other landmark projects completed by his firm.

And Manchester City Football Club – whose training ground Viñoly designed – paid tribute to their “cherished friend”.

Jay Bargmann, the vice president of Rafael Viñoly Architects said: “I’m incredibly proud of the integrity of the work our team has produced over many decades and on very complex projects, and I am honoured and humbled by our team’s unwavering commitment during this profound time of loss.”

FURTHER READING

• US: Winter Storm Surges In California

• Greece: Death Toll Rises From Train Crash

• Everything You Need To Know About Alex Murdaugh Murder Trial

Viñoly is survived by his wife, Diana, an interior designer, his son, Román, and stepsons Nicolás and Lucas.

Source: BBC

Click to watch our video of the week:

---

Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:

Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.

Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.

Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611