NYC High Line Architect Ricardo Scofidio Passes Away at 89

WASHINGTON, 7 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Ricardo Scofidio, the visionary architect behind some of New York City’s most celebrated landmarks, including the High Line elevated park, has passed away at the age of 89, US media reported on Thursday.

Scofidio, alongside his wife and professional partner Elizabeth Diller, co-founded the renowned design firm now known as Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The firm became synonymous with conceptual and transformative architectural projects that reshaped urban landscapes.

The Legacy of the High Line

Among their most acclaimed works is the High Line, a 1.5-mile (2.3-kilometre) elevated park built along a disused railway on Manhattan’s west side. Opened in 2009, the project was a collaboration with architects James Corner and Piet Oudolf, transforming an abandoned industrial structure into one of New York City’s most iconic public spaces. The High Line has since become a major attraction, celebrated for its blend of nature, design, and urban revitalisation.

A Life in Architecture

Scofidio and Diller first met when he was her professor at the Cooper Union School of Architecture. They founded their firm in 1979 and married a decade later in 1989. Over the years, their practice evolved into a globally recognised architectural powerhouse, integrating technology, art, and design.

Beyond the High Line, Diller Scofidio + Renfro is responsible for several other landmark projects, including the redesign of Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York, The Broad art museum in downtown Los Angeles, and Zaryadye Park, a striking urban park located near Red Square in Moscow.

Charles Renfro, who became a partner at the firm in 2004, told The New York Times that Scofidio’s influence is present in all their projects, describing him as both a conceptual thinker and a problem-solver who tackled deep technical challenges.

Recognition and Impact

In 1999, the MacArthur Foundation awarded its prestigious “genius” grant to both Scofidio and Diller, making them the first architects to receive the honour. Their innovative approach to architecture and urban design left an indelible mark on the built environment.

Scofidio is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Diller, as well as four children from a previous marriage, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

A Lasting Influence

Scofidio’s passing marks the end of an era for contemporary architecture, but his legacy lives on through the transformative public spaces and cultural institutions he helped create. His work, particularly in reimagining urban spaces, continues to inspire architects and city planners worldwide.