Introducing Rafael Violy: Architect Of Controversial Scale

Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly is at the forefront of contemporary architecture; his works span the globe, with landmark architectural structures located in major cities around the world. From Tokyo to Uruguay, Viñoly dramatically leaves his mark on the urban landscape.
Born in Uruguay and educated in Argentina, Rafael Viñoly is one of New York’s most beloved architects who has long made Manhattan his home. Since leaving Argentina in 1978 and following a brief stint at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, Viñoly has lived and worked in New York City since 1979. Here, he founded his architectural firm. It was, however, in Japan that launched Viñoly into the upper echelons of architectural royalty.

Viñoly’s design for the Tokyo International Forum brought him international acclaim. Its ship-like steel and glass structure and, in particular, its sweeping glass roof was seen as bold for its stark horizontality, standing in opposition to the skycraper’s siren call towards the ever more vertical. Writing about the Tokyo International Forum in the New York Times, architecture critic Herbert Muschamp lavished praise on the structure:
‘Japan’s new Tokyo International Forum is such a perfectly realized building that you may actually find yourself hoping that a flaw will turn up. Everything about this complex of theaters and convention halls has been thought through with precision. The only thing it can be faulted for is a pursuit of excellence so unyielding that it seems to not quite deserve a place in our world of scintillating compromise.’
Having thus secured a place on the who’s who of top tier architects, in spite of not (yet) receiving the much-coveted Pritzker Architecture Prize, Viñoly has gone on to build a raft of projects across the world. From superscraper residential buildings (432 Park Avenue in Manhattan, with its top-floor penthouses available from $85 million) to performing arts centres (Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia), and even venturing into operatic set design, the diversity of Viñoly’s portfolio shows his vast talents and ability to meld form and function in innovative ways.

Viñoly’s career has hardly escaped controversy, however. Whilst New York has all but adopted Viñoly as its own, across the pond, the welcome in England has been less forthcoming. In Colchester, Viñoly’s newly built visual arts centre, Firstsite, was dubbed the ‘Essex Bling’ and ‘Golden Banana’ and ran 50% over budget.

Meanwhile, Viñoly is pressing on with his busy architectural schedule. Having recently completed the master plan for Battersea Power Station, which had seemed doomed to remain forever derelict, Viñoly’s upcoming projects range from medical centres and university buildings to a new stadium extension for Manchester City Football Club. Regardless of one’s views on Viñoly’s design aesthetics, however, one can hardly deny that he has left his mark on the urban landscapes of some of the world’s most influential global cities.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.