Whitebook: Rafael Vinoly

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onducting A Symphony Of Structure And

architect portraint no.3

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pace

At the ripe age of four, Raphael Vi単oly began his studies as a pianist. After a recital at 18, he locked himself in a room for two weeks and upon emerging solemnly decided that his artistic fate lay not in music, but architecture. Today, Vi単oly has amassed a slew of international architectural feats that have created symphonic impact in the global urban landscape.

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Viñoly Holds Architecture Responsible

For Elevating The Public

Born in Uruguay and raised and educated in Argentina, Viñoly trained as an architect at the University of Buenos Aires before establishing his own firm in 1964, one that would eventually become the largest architectural practice in South America. In a twist of fate, the political

Realm

events in Argentina forced him and his family to leave for New York in 1978, a move that literally and figuratively put him on the international map amid one of the world’s most prominent skylines. His first major project there was the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1988; the following year, Viñoly was selected from 395 applicants to design the Tokyo International Forum, a project considered one of the most important cultural venues in Japan. His works are currently showcased on all but one continent, spanning North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Viñoly views architecture as a dialogue holding an essential responsibility to elevate the public realm.

Noting his musical background, his commission for the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts put his prodigal talents to the test when creating a home for The Philadelphia Orchestra, Academy of Music and Perelman Theater. In keeping with the tradition of Philadelphia’s architectural excellence, the building exudes a neo-classical influence, but cheekily achieves a slight disruption with the enormity of its interior space. Here, Viñoly showcases his philosophy of maximising opportunities in the civic investment of spaces while adding to the ceremonial aspect of the performing arts, a notion that he is undoubtedly familiar with. The musical element extends continuously throughout Verizon Hall, where the Orchestra performs, as its distinctive cello-like shape provides great sightlines and acoustics. Symbolically, the auditorium reflects the inflection that string instruments have close to the bridge, the way the balconies mount over the orchestra. He hesitates to regard architecture as an art form, believing that too many buildings are created solely from this perception, limiting the practical goals of design and forgetting that buildings are first and foremost erected for everyday interaction.

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Architecture is a form of community expression, a call for synergy both within and with the building.

Viñoly firmly believes in integrating structural systems that complement a design idea, ensuring a synthesis of engineering with architectural form. As the largest exhibition centre in the Northeastern hemisphere of the United States, the Boston Convention Center allows free flowing air into the building while keeping wind-driven rain out. Its interior is organised within a flexible spatial framework that can be easily manipulated for different functions. For Uruguay’s Carrasco International Airport, “dramatic and welcoming” terraces and lounges were installed for passengers and their families, an element rarely found in most international travel hubs, earning Viñoly countless accolades for his

Highly Personalised, Atmospheric, A

ccommodating and

E

ye-Catching

vision.Despite his inimitable portfolio and burgeoning distinctions, the master architect’s compassion remains unyielding, and accomplishments are underscored by his penchant humbleness. When asked how he evaluates and perfects his own architectural design, Viñoly replies, “I work very hard.”

Text = Nicole Chan

★ Raphael Viñoly ★

Raphael Viñoly was born in Uruguay in 1944 and obtained his Diploma in Architecture from the University of Buenos Aires in 1968. Together with six associates, he formed an architectural firm which would later become one of the largest practices in South America. In 1978, Viñoly and his family moved to America where he founded Rafael Viñoly Architects PC in 1983.

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