Photo: Michael Toporkoff, University of California San Francisco / CC BY 2.5 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Viñoly is one of those architects whose work I respect even when it divides opinion. The Tokyo International Forum still strikes me as a genuine masterpiece, its glass hull flooding a vast interior with light in a way few buildings manage. Coming from Montevideo and building a global practice out of New York is no small feat, and 432 Park Avenue proves he was never afraid of a bold, polarizing gesture. His death in 2023 closed a remarkable arc, but I think his best spaces will keep teaching architects how to handle scale and daylight for decades to come.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Rafael Viñoly
- Name (Japanese)
- ラファエル・ヴィニオリ
- Reading
- らふぁえる・ゔぃにおり
- Born
- June 1, 1944 – March 2, 2023
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Gemini / Monkey
- Origin
- Montevideo, Montevideo Department, Uruguay
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- architect
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Private
- University
- Private
Awards & achievements
- Konex Award
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
5. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | 432 Park Avenue | — | |
| Notable work | Princeton University Stadium | — | |
| Notable work | Carrasco International Airport | — |
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was Rafael Viñoly born?
June 1, 1944 – March 2, 2023.
Where is Rafael Viñoly from?
Rafael Viñoly is from Montevideo, Montevideo Department, Uruguay.
What does Rafael Viñoly do?
Rafael Viñoly works as architect.
What is Rafael Viñoly known for?
Notable works include 432 Park Avenue, Princeton University Stadium, Carrasco International Airport.
Architect — see all → · More people from Uruguay →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.