Rafael Violy, the renowned Uruguayan architect who designed the Walkie-Talkie skyscraper in London, has died at the age of 78.
Violy’s death was announced by his son Román, who referred to him as a “visionary” who left behind a “vast legacy of distinctive and timeless creations.”
He founded Rafael Violy Architects in 1983, and his work may be found in over 600 buildings around the world.
Thursday, he reportedly died of an aneurysm at a New York City hospital.
According to Román Violy, his father’s ideas were “implemented in some of the world’s most recognizable” buildings, and he will be missed “by all those whose lives he touched via his profession.”
Violy, who was born in Uruguay in 1944, went to Buenos Aires at age five with his math teacher’s mother and the theatre director’s father.
While still a student at the University of Buenos Aires, he was a founding member of the prominent architecture firm Estudio de Arquitectura.
The Argentine military junta forced him and his family to immigrate to the United States. Before founding his eponymous practice in New York, he obtained a teaching position at Harvard University.
His designs spanned the globe and included office and residential buildings, hotels, concert halls, stadiums, and airports.
In 2013, the “Walkie Talkie” tower sparked controversy when sunshine reflected off its mirrored concave side and melted numerous components of a luxury automobile parked nearby.
Residents of 432 Park Avenue, a residential skyscraper constructed by Violy in New York, complained of banging and creaking sounds emanating from the 85-story tower.
His firm has also completed the Tokyo International Forum, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and the Cleveland Museum of Art, among other notable projects.
The Manchester City Football Club, whose training facility was constructed by Violy, also paid tribute to their “cherished buddy.”
The vice president of Rafael Violy Architects, Jay Bargmann, stated,
“I am honored and humbled by our team’s unflinching devotion during this time of tremendous sorrow.”
Violy is survived by his interior designer wife Diana, his son Román, and his stepsons Nicolás and Lucas.
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