NEW YORK (AP) 鈥 Rafael Vi帽oly, an Uruguayan-born architect who designed distinctive and iconic buildings around the globe, has died. He was 78.
Vi帽oly, whose firm is based in New York City, died of an aneurysm on Thursday at a hospital in the city. Rom谩n Vi帽oly said his father died unexpectedly.
鈥淗e leaves a rich legacy of distinctive and timeless designs that manifested in some of the world鈥檚 most recognizable and iconic structures, among them the Tokyo International Forum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Carrasco Airport in Montevideo, and 20 Fenchurch Street in London,鈥 Rom谩n Vi帽oly said in a statement.
The London building is nicknamed the "Walkie Talkie鈥 because of its distinctive curved shape resembling a two-way radio handset.
Vi帽oly was born on June 1, 1944, in Montevideo, Uruguay. Early in his career, he founded Estudio de Arquitectura, which became one of the largest design studios in Latin America.
He settled in New York City in 1979 and founded Rafael Vi帽oly Architects four years later.
Vi帽oly became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1993 and is a member of the Japan Institute of Architects. He was named an International Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2006.
He is survived by his wife, Diana, his son, Rom谩n, stepsons Nicol谩s and Lucas, and a brother, Daniel.
