Branko Kolarevic 1963-2026

Kathy Velikov

In Memoriam,

Branko Kolarevic

1963-2026

Branko Kolarevic was a transformational leader in computational design, theory and fabrication oriented practices in architecture. For over three decades, Branko was a prominent voice in the computational design community: a colleague and mentor with uncommon generosity, a passionate and committed leader, and an insightful theorist-author who shaped architectural research and education alike.

Those who knew Branko personally remember that his curiosity and authenticity never waned. He brought pointed insights, deep intellectual engagement, and a sense of humor to every interaction. A longtime, dedicated, and steadfast member of the ACADIA community, he was elected the sixteenth President in 1997. In 2007 he was honored with the ACADIA Innovative Research Award of Excellence, and with the Society Award for Leadership in 2015.

His books, including Building Dynamics: Exploring Architecture of Change (with Vera Parlac, 2015), Performative Architecture: Beyond Instrumentality (with Ali Malkawi), Routledge, 2005, and Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing, Spon Press/Routledge, 2003, have been foundational to many members of the community and will continue to be cornerstones of the discipline. Branko taught at many distinguished institutions throughout his career including: University of Pennsylvania, University of Hong Kong, and Ball State University. After serving as an Associate Dean at the University of Calgary Faculty of Environmental Design (now SAPL) from 2007-2016, he became a Dean at the Hillier College of Architecture and Design at NJIT in 2019.

Branko will be missed and remembered fondly by countless colleagues, students, friends, and by his lifetime partner and intellectual collaborator Vera Perlac, and their son Marko.

In honor of his memory and contributions, we are sharing a video clip of Branko reflecting on his wonderful ACADIA journey of over 30 years, which was part of the 40th anniversary celebration and the launch of the cultural history project as part of ACADIA 2021 online conference. We also share a brief article from 2006 that reflects on the first 25 years of ACADIA, and speculates on its future. Branko’s advocacy and commitment to ACADIA will be a model to the community for many years to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to fund a legacy scholarship in his name at Harvard University, from where he earned his doctorate and masters degrees. Details and an obituary can be found here.