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I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of one of the great architects and thinkers of our time, the renowned architect Rafael Viñoly.

Rafael was an Uruguayan-born architect based in New York. He was born Montevideo, Uruguay in 1944, and his passion for architecture later led him to study at the University of Buenos Aires. He then continued his journey to the United States in 1978, and decided to make New York City his permanent home in 1979.

Rafael was the principal architect at his firm Rafael Viñoly Architects, which he founded in 1983 and which has become one of the most respected architecture firms in the world over the past few decades. The studio has offices in the US, UK, UAE, and Argentina.

Viñoly’s innovative work included more than 600 projects around the world, including office Kand residential buildings, skyscrapers, hotels, concert halls, stadiums and airports. His firm was responsible for designing some of the most iconic buildings of our time, including the Tokyo International Forum, the Walkie-Talkie (Fenchurch) building in London, 432 Park Avenue in New York City, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and the Cleveland Museum of Art.

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Viñoly was a visionary in the field of architecture, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was possible. His work has left its mark on the urban landscapes of some of the world’s most influential global cities. I was personally amazed by my time spent with him. His energy and charisma were almost unmatched by anyone else. He was demanding, creative, and had lots of pairs of glasses (he wore multiple pairs around his neck so that he always had the right pair with him), which I will always remember.

I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. Let’s continue to honor his memory and pay tribute to the incredible legacy he has left in the field of architecture around the world.