Jean-Louis Cohen Cause Of Death, What Happened To Jean-Louis Cohen? How Did Jean-Louis Cohen Die?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Aug 09, 2023
Jean-Louis Cohen Cause Of Death
Jean-Louis Cohen distinguished as an architect, critic, historian, and curator, has left an indelible mark on the world of architecture. His expertise in twentieth-century architectural trends and urban planning, coupled with his authoritative stance on Le Corbusier, stands as a testament to his eminence.
On August 7, at the age of seventy-four, Cohen's journey came to an end, as a result of an unfortunate allergic reaction from a bee sting during his vacation in the Ardennes department of northeastern France. The confirmation of his passing was conveyed by the New York University Institute of Fine Arts, a realm he had guided as the Sheldon H. Solow Chair of Architectural History since 1994.
Over five decades, Cohen earned acclaim as an astute conversationalist, an erudite author, an inspirational educator, and a benevolent mentor. His contributions were not confined to Artforum alone; his voice resonated across various esteemed publications.
His authored works, revered for their profound exploration of Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and the crossroads of American influence on Russian architectural landscapes, serve as a reflection of his intellectual depth. Amidst his familiarity with towering architectural figures, Cohen's legacy shines through his fervent advocacy for an inclusive approach within the architectural realm.
His presence extended not only to the pages of Artforum but also graced several other esteemed publications. His authored works, celebrated for their insightful scrutiny of Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and the interplay of American influence on Russian architectural landscapes, stand as a testament to his intellectual prowess. Despite his profound interactions with towering architectural figures, Cohen's legacy is crowned by his ardent promotion of an inclusive perspective within the discipline.
What Happened To Jean-Louis Cohen?
Jean-Louis Cohen shared this with me during a recent meeting before his departure to Europe in May. He wholeheartedly embodied that philosophy. As a seasoned professor specializing in architectural history at NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts, he authored numerous books spanning a wide spectrum of subjects and curated countless exhibitions.
Remarkably, two exhibitions unveiled just this past summer showcased his prowess the first centered on Paulo Mendes da Rocha at Portugal's Casa da Arquitectura, and the second delved into interwar Paris in Shanghai.
His untimely demise at the age of 74, reportedly stemming from an allergic reaction to a bee sting during his vacation in France's Ardennes region, abruptly truncated a prolific career and an unyielding spirit. Born in Paris in 1949, he was a true global citizen, proficient in multiple languages, and an expert on architectural matters ranging from his native country to the expanse of Russia.
His work "Building a New New World: Amerikanizm in Russian Architecture" garnered attention in Record, as did his recent publications on Frank Gehry. These publications marked only the inception of a colossal research endeavor dedicated to documenting Gehry’s extensive body of work. During a trip to Los Angeles this spring, I encountered Jean-Louis at LAX.
He frequently journeyed to the city throughout the year to delve into the Gehry archives, ardently working on his laptop as he awaited his flight back to New York. In the current issue of RECORD, Jean-Louis contributes an article on Jean-François Zevaco’s Sidi Harazem thermal bath complex near Fez.
Morocco held a special place in his heart, as evidenced by his considerable time spent there and his written exploration in "Casablanca: Colonial Myths and Architectural Ventures," co-authored with his former wife, Monique Eleb, who passed away in May. His luminous scholarship, insatiable pursuit of both contemporary and traditional architecture, and his gentle demeanor will be sorely missed.
How Did Jean-Louis Cohen Die?
Architect, critic, and curator Jean-Louis Cohen's earthly journey came to a close at the age of 74 on August 7. Renowned for his in-depth investigations into the realm of modern architecture and urban planning, he occupied the esteemed Sheldon H. Solow Chair of Architectural History at New York University since 1994.
Cohen's influence extended to his roles as a curator for several prestigious exhibitions, gracing venues 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. In more recent times, he collaborated with Brazilian researcher Vanessa Grossman to curate the exhibition "Geografias Construídas: Paulo Mendes da Rocha," unveiled in May at Portugal's Casa da Arquitectura.
Within his vast literary oeuvre, standout works include "Building a New New World: Amerikanizm in Russian Architecture" (2020), "Frank Gehry; Catalogue Raisonné of the Drawings; Volume One, 1954-1978" (2020), "Le Corbusier: an Atlas of Modern Landscapes" (2013), "O futuro da arquitetura desde 1889" (2013), "Architecture in Uniform; Designing and Building for WWII" (2011), "Mies van der Rohe" (2007), and "Casablanca, Colonial Myths and Architectural Ventures" (co-authored with Monique Eleb, 2002).
Born in Paris in 1949, Cohen embarked on his architectural journey at École Spéciale d'Architecture and Unité Pédagogique n° 6. His academic journey culminated with a doctorate in Art History from École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in 1985. A phase of guiding the Architectural Research Program of the French Ministry of Housing from 1983 to 1996 led to his role as a researcher at the Paris-Villemin School of Architecture.
Jean-Louis Cohen Cause Of Death - FAQs
Jean-Louis Cohen's death was reportedly caused by an allergic reaction to a bee sting.
Jean-Louis Cohen passed away on August 7.
Jean-Louis Cohen was 74 years old when he passed away.
The allergic reaction that led to Jean-Louis Cohen's death occurred while he was on vacation in the department of Ardennes in northeastern France.
Jean-Louis Cohen held the Sheldon H. Solow Chair of Architectural History at New York University since 1994.