Jean-Louis Cohen (1949 - 2023)

Jean-Louis Cohen, French architect, historian and curator unanimously considered one of the greatest authorities on the history of architecture and urbanism of the 20th century, passed away yesterday at the age of 74. Cohen was co-curator of the exhibition currently showing at Casa da Arquitectura, "Constructed Geographies: Paulo Mendes da Rocha", one of his last works.

It is with deep consternation and sadness that Casa da Arquitectura reacts to his passing.

Over the past three years we have had the privilege of getting to know Jean-Louis Cohen, who worked with Vanessa Grossman on the construction of the exhibition and catalogue, and with Catherine Otondo and Nuno Sampaio on the parallel programme dedicated to Paulo Mendes da Rocha.

A close friend of Mendes da Rocha, Jean-Louis Cohen marked all those who crossed paths with him at Casa da Arquitectura during this period by his inexcusable rigour, professionalism and demand, but also by the extraordinary kindness that characterised him.

Possessing enormous erudition, a reference name in the study of Le Corbusier's work, a militant in the defence of modern heritage, Jean-Louis Cohen was a central figure in the project of the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine in Paris, of which he was director until 2003.

A lecturer at several architecture schools in France and the United States, he has curated many important exhibitions at some of the world's leading museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, Canadian Centre for Architecture, Centre Georges Pompidou, Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine and MAXXI, among others.

He has authored around 40 books and was awarded the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Government in 2001.
Casa da Arquitectura sends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues