New York, New York, USA
Eugene Kohn, co-founder of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and one of the most prolific designers of skyscrapers in the world, passed away aged 92, after a year-long fight with cancer.
With characteristic optimism, diplomacy, and unfailing goodwill, he brought together designers and engineers, clients, and civic leaders to achieve significant projects that have changed our cities around the world for the better.
His skill in understanding the relationship between architecture and commerce allowed him to find creative solutions, building consensus between designers and developers.
Well known as a consummate communicator, Kohn taught at Harvard and Columbia and contributed his energies for over seven decades to his alma mater University of Pennsylvania.
“Gene was universally respected in the community for his ability to achieve consensus,” says James von Klemperer, KPF President.
“His seemingly limitless interest in other human beings gave him powerful insights into the social aspect of building programs and larger urban agendas. Without his easy charm and focused intensity, such notable projects as Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, the World Bank in Washington DC, One Vanderbilt in New York, and the reinvigoration of Covent Garden in London would not have realized their full success.”
Eugene Kohn was most proud of his family, and of the firm that he built.
He was an active participant in his professional pursuits until the end. He believed passionately in the principle of teamwork and encouraged all who worked with him to realize their dreams.
He organized KPF as a collaborative collection of mutually supportive colleagues, all dedicated to excellence in design.
His spirit will live on in the firm that he loved, and his commitment to design excellence, teamwork, and mentorship will continue to inform KPF’s values.
“Gene was known throughout the architectural world for his ability to promote the services of KPF,” states William Pedersen, KPF Co-Founder, and Design Principal.
“As valuable as that has been to the growth of our firm, his value within the firm, counseling our staff, has been even greater.”
Throughout his year-long fight with cancer, Kohn never lost hope.
He maintained his positive outlook and remained focused on the next challenge, a testament to his perspective on life.
Gene’s legacy in the world of architecture will be enduring.
Speaking about the early goals for KPF, he once stated that he, Bill, and Shelley “liked the idea of creating something bigger than the three of us that would live longer than any of us.”
The firm he started is more successful than he ever imagined, with the promise of continuing its great work around the world in his honor.
