A. Eugene Kohn, 1930 to 2023
It is with great sadness that we note the passing of our friend Gene Kohn, a founding member of the Zell/Lurie Real Estate Center at the Wharton School and a long-time Research Sponsor and supporter of the Center and its programs.
Born in December of 1930, Gene grew up in Philadelphia before studying at the University of Pennsylvania where he received both his undergraduate degree and his master’s degree in architecture. Gene co-founded Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates in 1976, along with partners William Pedersen and Sheldon Fox, and shaped it into one of the world’s most impactful architectural practices. With characteristic optimism, diplomacy, and unfailing good will, he brought together designers and engineers, clients and civic leaders to achieve significant projects that have changed many of our great cities around the world for the better. His skill in understanding the relationship between architecture and commerce allowed him to find creative solutions, building consensus between designers and developers.
The Zell/Lurie Real Estate Center extends its condolences to Gene’s wife, Barbara Shattuck Kohn, his children–especially his son Steven, another long-time friend of our program–as well as his step-children, extended family and the many friends whose lives he touched.
To celebrate Gene’s accomplishments, including being the first architect ever elected as a ULI Life Trustee, the Principals of Kohn Pedersen Fox recently endowed the annual A. Eugene Kohn/KPF Fellowship, which will fund an annual fellow and research on low carbon design and other activities in the ULI Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate. Contributions can be coordinated through Janice P. Periquet, President of the ULI Foundation.
Joe Gyourko
Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Director
Zell/Lurie Real Estate Center at the Wharton School