Rafael Viñoly

Rafael Viñoly Beceiro, born on June 1, 1944, in Montevideo, Uruguay, is a renowned architect known for his remarkable contributions to modern architecture. He began his journey into the world of design by studying architecture at the University of Buenos Aires, from which he graduated in 1968. Shortly after, he co-founded the powerhouse firm Estudio de Arquitectura Manteola-Petchersky-Sánchez Gómez-Santos-Solsona-Viñoly in Buenos Aires. This firm gained significant acclaim throughout the 1970s for a range of influential projects in Argentina.

In 1978, Viñoly transitioned to the United States, where he established his own architectural practice in New York City in 1983. Over the decades, Rafael Viñoly Architects has distinguished itself with an impressive portfolio of large-scale projects. His works are marked by a distinct approach that integrates technical precision with innovative design, often taking inspiration from diverse cultural and environmental contexts.

Among Viñoly’s notable projects are the Tokyo International Forum (completed in 1996), an iconic glass and steel complex that revitalized the concept of public spaces in Japan. In the United States, he earned acclaim for designing the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia (completed in 2001), which features a soaring glass-vaulted roof. Viñoly made a significant impact in London with the 20 Fenchurch Street building, often referred to as the "Walkie-Talkie" due to its distinctive shape, completed in 2014.