Rafael Viñoly, designer of London's Walkie-Talkie Tower, dies

The Uruguayan architect residing in New York Rafael Viñoly, designer of iconic contemporary skyscrapers such as the Walkie-Talkie Tower at London's 20 Fenchurch Street, died in London. at age 78, communicated his family. “On behalf of my family, my colleagues and our many partners around the world, I am saddened to announce that my father (…) passed away unexpectedly yesterday (Thursday) March 2 at the age of 78,” said his son Román.

Walkie-Talkie Tower by architect Rafael Viñoly.

TOLGA AKME

Acclaimed and sometimes controversial, the architect born in Montevideo in 1944 leaves more than 600 works around the world, hotels, concert halls, stadiums and other infrastructures, such as the circular bridge over the Laguna Garzón, in Uruguay. He also highlighted for his designs of the Tokyo International Forum, the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Carrasco Airport in Montevideo.

The English football club Manchester City, for which he designed the club. the City Football Academy training center, gave him the opportunity to visit. tribute on Twitter.

Controversy

But some of his projects have been controversial. This is the case of a 426-meter-tall, 85-story luxury residential building in Manhattan, 432 Park Avenue. Its millionaire residents have sued it for noise and vibrations inside apartments.

In London, the Walkie-Talkie skyscraper in the City made headlines in 2013 because the reflection of the sun's rays on its concave glass façade had damaged a Jaguar parked below.

Rafael Viñoly “leaves a rich legacy of designs” ;unique and timeless that have been expressed in some of the most recognizable and iconic buildings in the world,” added Mr. his son in the note that he has published on the Viñoly Arquitects website.