It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of former AA student Lorenz Adriaens who passed away on 12 October 2021 after a long illness. Lorenz was a student of the AA in 2012–13 and successfully completed his Third Year studies in Intermediate Unit 13 under the tutelage of Miraj Ahmed and Martin Jameson. On behalf of his many friends and colleagues at the AA we extend our deepest sympathies to Lorenz’s family at this very sad time.
AA Alumni Richard Leung (AADipl 2016), who studied with Lorenz and is cofounder of their collaborative practice Generiek, has shared the following memories:
‘Lorenz and I met at the Architectural Association in London. During his first year of cancer, he initially kept his diagnosis a secret from everyone. He never wanted any pity and never wanted to see his illness as a sort of handicap. He fully believed in life – pursuing meaning in it and the endless possibilities that it offered. That was one way in which he constantly influenced me, within both our friendship and also our professional collaboration as Generiek.
He poured so much time and energy into Generiek. Through the way the three of us would discuss projects, the management of the company and of design, his views on how life deserves to be lived was, is and will remain a spiritual and moral core of Generiek. Architecture was not just simply a job or a profession for him. It was really a medium for him to channel his imagination on how we as humans can live in this world in a more honest, blessed and meaningful manner. When we presented our projects to a client, it always brought him so much happiness and energy when our designs were truly appreciated. In a way, these projects were also a way for him to bring joy to others and to craft a better world for the people around him, one small step at a time.
We had big dreams together to change the world, to create architecture around the world, to do big projects and so on, but he also taught me to appreciate the small and beautiful moments in life and in architecture. We would often talk about how our architecture should help people to live the good life – a life worth living. While we as architects may sometimes even romanticise the notion of excessive work, Lorenz would often remind us to pursue a good life ourselves and to seek fulfilment beyond work and ambitions. He really was a man who practiced what he preached, trying his best to live his life as a member of Generiek, but also as a family man. This lesson, along with the many others he has taught and influenced me, will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Lo, I love you bro. I keep saying this in my head over and over again, yet, it seems like it is never enough no matter how many times I say it. I will miss you so much.’