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 women’s rights advocate Beverly Willis, the first curator of the Venice Architecture Biennale, Paolo Portoghesi, writer, critic and curator Jean-Louis Cohen, and many more.
Read on to explore the work and enduring influence of celebrated architects who have passed away during the past year.
Related Article
Best Articles of 2023: Dismantling Ideas, Personal Narratives and the Emergence of New RealitiesBalkrishna Doshi (1927- 2023)
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 India’s emerging status as a laboratory of Modernism. But Doshi’s 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.
Rafael Viñoly (1944 - 2023)
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 Viñoly
Uruguayan-born and New York-based architect Rafael Viñoly 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, Viñoly’s works address a wide range of scales, uses, and themes, leaving behind a legacy of over 600 structures around the world.
Eugene Kohn (1930-2023)
It’s 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.
Bill Hellmuth (1953 – 2023)
If you look at just carbon emissions, what we do for a living—building buildings, running buildings, all that— is 50 percent of all the carbon emissions in the United States. […] Well that’s both sort of dreadful and wonderful at the same time. […] The opportunity is, because it’s 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 office’s 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 people’s lives.
Paolo Portoghesi (1931 - 2023)
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.
Jean-Louis Cohen (1949 – 2023)
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 Cité 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.
Raymond Moriyama (1929 – 2023)
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 Canada’s 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.
Zvi Hecker (1931 – 2023)
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 (1981–1989), Heinz-Galinski-Schule in Berlin (1992–1995), and a crystal-like Synagogue in the Negev Desert (1969). Hecker's impactful career spanned architecture, painting, illustration, and furniture design.
Beverly Willis (1928 - 2023)
I think it’s 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.
Andrea Branzi (1938 – 2023)
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."
Michael Wilford (1938 - 2023)
His unstinting faith in humanity, and his life-long curiosity about everything creative that the human mind could offer, made him believe that Architecture retained the everlasting possibility of producing culturally inspired and socially relevant environments and settings. - statement from the Liverpool School of Architecture
Renowned British architect Michael Wilford, best known for his vibrant postmodern designs in collaboration with James Stirling, has passed away at 84. Born in 1938 in East Sussex, Wilford initially worked with Stirling before co-founding the Stirling/Wilford partnership in 1971. Following Stirling's death in 1992, the practice became Michael Wilford & Partners. Wilford later established his own firms, Michael Wilford Architects in London and Wilford Schupp Architects in Stuttgart in 2001. Notable projects include the iconic No. 1 Poultry and the Tate Liverpool, both products of his partnership with Stirling. Other significant works encompass the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, WZB Berlin Social Science Center, and the award-winning State Music School in Stuttgart. Recognized with a CBE in 2001, Wilford's architectural legacy extends beyond his designs, as he also served as a critic and professor at prestigious institutions.
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Year in Review, presented by Randers Tegl.
"When creating unique architecture, visionary ideas aren’t always enough. A unique look demands character, courage, and distinctive materials. And a format to achieve the extraordinary. At Randers Tegl, we aim to add a unique touch to exceptional brickworks by bringing premium bricks to life and into the world of architecture. Making the impossible possible. We are proud to be a part of unique architecture worldwide since 1911."
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.
