Rafael Vinoly, the Uruguayan-born architect who designed distinctive and buildings across the globe together with the “Walkie Talkie” in London, has died aged 78.

Mr Vinoly, whose agency relies in New York City, died of an aneurysm on Thursday at a hospital within the metropolis. Roman Vinoly stated his father died unexpectedly.

“He leaves a rich legacy of distinctive and timeless designs that manifested in some of the world’s most recognisable and iconic structures – among them the Tokyo International Forum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Carrasco Airport in Montevideo, and 20 Fenchurch Street in London,” Roman Vinoly stated in a press release.

The London constructing is nicknamed the “Walkie Talkie” due to its distinctive curved form resembling a two-way radio handset.

Mr Vinoly was born on June 1, 1944, in Montevideo, Uruguay. Early in his profession, he based Estudio de Arquitectura, which grew to become one of many largest design studios in Latin America.

He settled in New York City in 1979 and based Rafael Vinoly Architects 4 years later.

Mr Vinoly grew to become a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1993 and is a member of the Japan Institute of Architects. He was named an International Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2006.

He is survived by his spouse, Diana, his son, Roman, stepsons Nicolas and Lucas and a brother, Daniel.