BOSTON—CambridgeSeven is mourning the loss of co-founder Lou Bakanowsky, who passed away on March 13, 2025, at the age of 94.
In an email announcement, the firm expressed profound sorrow, stating, “CambridgeSeven lost one of its giants last week, with the passing of Lou Bakanowsky. As one of the original seven founders, Lou was part of a visionary group of architects and designers who helped shape the firm into an integrated collective of creative disciplines, all under one roof. At the time, this approach was groundbreaking.”
Bakanowsky’s early contributions to CambridgeSeven helped establish the firm’s distinctive approach to design. His work began with the New England Aquarium, one of the firm’s most iconic projects, and he played a key role in shaping the designs of several other landmark projects, including the U.S. Pavilion at Expo ’67, the pedestrian bridges at Logan Airport, and the now-famous Rostropovich House in upstate New York—a project that was once shrouded in confidentiality.
Beyond his remarkable architectural work, Lou Bakanowsky was widely recognized as an artist, sculptor, teacher, and mentor. His impact on students and staff alike was profound and enduring. CambridgeSeven reflected on Bakanowsky’s legacy, quoting one former student who described him as possessing “the right stuff,” blending the best qualities of both artist and architect into one.
In addition to his pioneering work at CambridgeSeven, Lou Bakanowsky was a beloved professor of art and architecture at Harvard University. His academic contributions culminated in his leadership of the Carpenter Center for Visual Arts, further cementing his legacy in the fields of art and architecture.
“Lou’s legacy at CambridgeSeven continues to inspire us,” the firm added. “From his unique design process—still referenced today—to his sculptural work that greets visitors in our office lobby, and the countless sketches, photos, and notes he left behind, Lou’s influence will resonate in our practice for generations to come.”
Bakanowsky’s passing marks the end of an era for CambridgeSeven, but his visionary contributions will live on through the firm and the many individuals he mentored and inspired throughout his life.
