| Stefan Kuryłowicz | |
| Nationality: | Polish |
| Birth Date: | 26 March 1949 |
| Birth Place: | Warsaw, Poland |
| Death Place: | Asturias, Spain |
| Alma Mater: | Warsaw University of Technology |
| Practice: | Kuryłowicz & Associates |
| Occupation: | Architect |
| Significant Buildings: | Prosta Tower Vitkac Department Store National Forum of Music Białystok City Stadium Modlin Airport |
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]
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.
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]