In Memoriam: Dr. Branko Kolarevic (1963-2026)

A pioneer of the digital age, Dr. Kolarevic was a transformative leader who dedicated his life to the advancement of architectural education and the exploration of digital design. “Branko was one of the first architectural thinkers to recognize how the so-called third machine age was going to transform design practice,” said Gabrielle Esperdy, HCAD’s current dean. “His early embrace of machine learning and artificial intelligence led to essential research into performative and generative design—which he eagerly shared with his students. Branko’s AI seminars and studios were wildly popular.”

A global educator and mentor, Branko joined NJIT in 2019, as Dean of the newly named J. Robert and Barbara A. Hillier College of Architecture and Design. Over the next three years he played a pivotal role in positioning HCAD at the forefront of education. His passion for teaching was matched only by his embrace of the future. “He inspired and mentored countless students around the world, including many PhD candidates, leaving a lasting impact on generations of architects, designers, and scholars,” said Gernot Riether, Chair of the HCAD’s New Jersey School of Architecture. “In his courses, he consistently embraced emerging technologies and the latest AI tools, always with the goal of best preparing the next generation of architects.”

A prolific author, Branko was internationally recognized for redefining the landscape of digital technology in architecture and building production. His influential book, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing (2003), was among the first to explore the industry's computational transformation through CNC and robotics. He wrote and edited numerous other important books, including Performative Architecture (2005 with Ali Malkawi); Manufacturing Material Effects (2008 with Kevin Klinger); Building Dynamics: Exploring Architecture of Change (2015 with Vera Parlac); and Mass Customization and Design Democratization (2018 with Jose Duarte). As a scholar, Branko was honored with the ACADIA Award for Innovative Research (2007) and the ACADIA Society Award of Excellence (2015).

Branko left a legacy of leadership, as his influence extended to the highest levels of academia. He was educated at the University of Belgrade and came to the United States as a Fulbright Scholar to study at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, eventually earning his doctorate there. Having taught widely and globally, Branko came to NJIT from the University of Calgary, where he was a professor and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design. An able administrator, he also served as President of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), and the Association for Computer Added Design in Architecture (ACADIA).

Those who knew Branko described him as a “force”; he possessed enormous determination and never wasted a moment. Branko leaves behind his wife, Vera Parlac, his son, Marko Kolarevic, and the global architectural community.

NJIT and the Hillier College of Architecture and Design honor Branko for his leadership, intellectual rigor, and generosity as a mentor and colleague. His legacy lives on through his scholarly work, his students, and the many lives he touched.