Renowned architect, critic, and curator Jean-Louis Cohen sadly passed away at 74. His profound impact on modern architecture and urban planning is undeniable, with a notable tenure as the Sheldon H. Solow Chair of Architectural History at New York University, beginning in 1994.
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Jean-Louis Cohen’s Prestigious Journey
Cohen’s influence extended beyond academia, curating numerous exhibitions enriching the architectural discourse. His expert curation graced institutions like the Museum of Modern Art, the Canadian Centre for Architecture, the Centre Georges Pompidou, the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, and the MAXXI.
His collaborative effort with Brazilian researcher Vanessa Grossman recently led to the compelling exhibition “Geografias Construídas: Paulo Mendes da Rocha,” a triumph hosted by the Casa da Arquitectura in Portugal and opened this May.
His prolific literary contributions underscore his significance in the field. His books, including “Building a New New World: Amerikanizm in Russian Architecture” (2020), “Frank Gehry; Catalogue Raisonné of the Drawings; Volume One, 1954-1978″ (2020), and “Le Corbusier: an Atlas of Modern Landscapes” (2013), showcase his breadth of knowledge. Other titles such as “O futuro da arquitetura desde 1889” (2013), “Architecture in Uniform; Designing and Building for WWII” (2011), and “Mies van der Rohe” (2007) further cement his reputation. His collaborative work “Casablanca, Colonial Myths and Architectural Ventures” (with Monique Eleb, 2002) adds to his diverse portfolio.
Born in Paris in 1949, Jean-Louis Cohen’s educational journey encompassed École Spéciale d’Architecture and Unité Pédagogique n° 6. His scholarly achievements culminated in a doctorate in Art History from École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in 1985.
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Notably, Jean-Louis Cohen directed the Architectural Research Program of the French Ministry of Housing from 1983 to 1996. He later imparted his research expertise at the Paris-Villemin School of Architecture. He was Chair of Urban Planning History at the Institut Français d’Urbanisme at the University of Paris from 1996 to 2004.
Cohen’s legacy includes the development of the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris, which he spearheaded in 1998 and saw come to fruition in 2007. His curatorship prowess brought forth significant exhibitions like “The Lost Vanguard” at the Museum of Modern Art (2007), “Architecture in Uniform” at the Canadian Centre for Architecture (1995, 2011), and “Le Corbusier: An Atlas of Modern Landscapes” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (2013). Furthermore, he left an indelible mark as the curator of the French Pavilion at the 2014 Venice Biennale. Jean-Louis Cohen’s multifaceted contributions will resonate through the architectural world for future generations.
