Rafael Vinoly, the world-renowned architect who designed the Etihad training ground for Manchester City Football Club, has died at the age of 78.
Vinoly, who was born in Uruguay, was a highly respected figure in the world of architecture and was responsible for some of the most iconic buildings in the world. He was best known for his work on the Tokyo International Forum, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Vinoly was also responsible for the design of the Etihad training ground, which was completed in 2014. The facility, which is located in the Eastlands area of Manchester, is home to the first team, the academy, and the women’s team.
The training ground was designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, with a range of features including a full-size indoor pitch, a gym, a medical centre, and a media centre.
Manchester City Football Club have paid tribute to Vinoly, with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak saying: “Rafael Vinoly was a great architect and a great man. His work was admired around the world and his legacy will live on in the Etihad Training Ground, which he designed for Manchester City.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Vinoly’s death has been met with sadness from the wider architecture community, with many paying tribute to his work.
The Royal Institute of British Architects said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Rafael Vinoly, one of the world’s most respected architects. His work was admired around the world and his legacy will live on in the buildings he designed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Vinoly’s death is a huge loss to the world of architecture and his legacy will live on in the buildings he designed. He will be remembered as a great architect and a great man.