Stefan Kuryłowicz

Stefan Kuryłowicz (26 March 1949 – June 6, 2011) was a Polish architect and professor who is widely credited with transforming the architecture and skyline of Warsaw, Poland, in the twenty years following the collapse of Communism in 1989.[1] Media reports have called Kuryłowicz "one of the most influential Polish architects."[1] He and the late architect Jacek Syropolski created the architecture company, Kurylowicz & Associates.[2]

Stefan Kuryłowicz
Stefan Kuryłowicz statue in Warsaw
Born(1949-03-26)March 26, 1949
Warsaw, Poland
DiedJune 6, 2011(2011-06-06) (aged 62)
Asturias, Spain
NationalityPolish
Alma materWarsaw University of Technology
OccupationArchitect
PracticeKuryłowicz & Associates
BuildingsProsta Tower
Vitkac Department Store
National Forum of Music
Białystok City Stadium
Modlin Airport
Websiteapaka.com.pl

Biography

Kuryłowicz was born in Warsaw in 1949.[1] He earned a degree in architecture from the Warsaw University of Technology in 1972.[1] He opened an architectural studio in 1983 during an era when the Communist-ruled government of the People's Republic of Poland openly discouraged free expression and creativity.[1]

The end of communism in Poland in 1989 left Warsaw and other cities with littered with unimaginative, Communist-era buildings and other structures.[1] Kuryłowicz and his associate architects began designing and constructing a series of new, modern buildings throughout Warsaw over the next two decades, largely transforming parts of Warsaw,[1] as well as other cities, such as Gdańsk. His style of modern architecture initially attracted some criticism, but Kurylowicz's critics faded as his buildings were constructed.[1] Kurylowicz's projects included commercial, industrial and residential buildings. His work has been credited with modernizing Warsaw during the post-Communist era. Jerzy Grochulski, the president of the Association of Polish Architects, said about Kurylowicz, "He helped shape the way Warsaw looks today."[1] Kuryłowicz's firm is currently constructing a municipal studio in Białystok and the Wolf Bracka department store.[2]

In addition to his architectural practice, Kuryłowicz taught architecture at Warsaw University of Technology and served as the deputy leader of the Association of Polish Architects.[1] He was also picked as one of the international architects chosen to oversee renovations on the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.[1]

Winner of SARP Honorary Award in 2003.

Death

Stefan Kuryłowicz died in a light airplane crash in Asturias, northern Spain, on 6 June 2011, at the age of 62.[1] Kuryłowicz was flying in a convoy of three small airplanes en route from San Sebastián, Spain, to the Portuguese town of Vilar de Luz, near Porto, when the accident occurred.[1] The airplanes encountered inclement weather, including rain and fog, during the flight.[1] One airplane crashed into a parking lot at an airport in Asturias, while the second crashed into a hill near the same airport.[1][3] Kurylowicz, his associate architect Jacek Syropolski, and two other people were killed in the accident.[1] The third airplane, carrying two people, landed safely at an airport in Santander, Cantabria.[1]

Kuryłowicz was survived by his wife Ewa Kuryłowicz, a board member of his architectural firm; and two sons.[1]

Examples of Kurylowicz's designs

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stefan Kuryłowicz.
  1. Scislowska, Monika (2011-06-07). "Leading Polish architect dies in plane crash". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2019-03-30. Retrieved 2011-06-19.
  2. Kolasa, Thomas (2011-06-07). "Four Poles killed in airplane crash". Warsaw Business Journal. Retrieved 2011-06-19.
  3. "What caused light air craft [sic] disaster, northern Spain?". Polskie Radio. 2011-06-09. Retrieved 2011-06-19.
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