Renowned architect Cesar Pelli died at his New Haven home last week. He designed the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford and was dean of the Yale School of Architecture.
Pelli is perhaps best known worldwide for designing the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, which for a time, were the world’s tallest buildings. In 2012, he spoke about his goal when designing the Towers.
“I try very hard to design buildings that the people of Malaysia can see as Malaysian. And this is indeed, a very Malaysia building and the people of Malaysia are very proud of this pair of towers because they see them not only as representing their country, but representing the essence of their country.”
But when it came to why he designed skyscrapers, he was more practical:
“Because my clients ask me to do it! [laughter] That’s how we all, architects, operate.”
Pelli was also a collaborator on the Trans World Flight Center at JFK Airport on Long Island.
He was 92.
