The architectural master plan for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1967 served as a defining project for Kevin Roche, establishing his reputation for large-scale institutional design. Born in Dublin in 1922, Roche evolved from a dairy-working youth into one of the most systematic modernist designers of the twentieth century, managing over 200 built projects internationally.
Formative Education and Career
After graduating from University College Dublin in 1945, Roche relocated to the United States to study under Ludwig Mies van der Rohe at the Illinois Institute of Technology. His early professional path included a brief tenure at the United Nations Planning Office before he joined Eero Saarinen and Associates in 1950. He served as the principal design associate under Saarinen until the latter's death in 1961.
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In 1966, Roche and his partner John Dinkeloo established their own firm, Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates. The new practice successfully finalized twelve major unfinished projects initiated by Saarinen, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the TWA Flight Center at JFK International Airport. Their work established them as a prominent force in corporate and civic architecture throughout the United States.
Professional Legacy and Recognition
Roche’s portfolio spanned thirty-eight corporate headquarters, eight museums, and seven research facilities. His methodical approach to design earned him the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1982, followed by the American Academy of Arts and Letters Gold Medal in 1990 and the AIA Gold Medal in 1993. He remained active in the field until his death in Guilford in 2019.
Fast facts
- Born: 1922, Dublin
- Died: 2019, Guilford
- Education: University College Dublin; Illinois Institute of Technology
- Partner: John Dinkeloo
- Pritzker Architecture Prize: 1982
- Notable work: Bank of America Plaza
- Notable work: Leo Burnett Building
- Professional memberships: Accademia di San Luca; American Academy of Arts and Letters
Questions readers ask
Which major museum did Kevin Roche master plan?
He created the master plan for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1967 and designed its subsequent new wings.
Did Kevin Roche complete any of Eero Saarinen's works?
Yes, his firm completed twelve major unfinished projects by Saarinen, including the Gateway Arch and the TWA Flight Center.
Achievements
- Pritzker Architecture Prize — 1982
- Notable work: Bank of America Plaza
- Notable work: Leo Burnett Building
- Educated at University College Dublin and Illinois Institute of Technology
- Worked as architect and engineer
