Acclaimed leisure architect Bing Thom has died in Hong Kong at the age of 75.

Bing suffered a brain aneurism and passed away on 4 October, his studio Bing Thom Architects (BTA) confirmed in a statement.

The architect – who was born in Hong Kong before moving to Canada as a child – was renowned for his placemaking schemes and his drive to improve urban environments.

Past and ongoing leisure projects include the Arena Stage Theater in Washington DC, the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong, the Binhai Cultural District of Tianjin, the Shijiazhuang Performing Arts Center, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in British Columbia and the Guildford Aquatic Centre in London.

Bing’s career began in the offices of Fumihiko Maki and Arthur Erickson before he started his BTA in 1982. Among a number of accolades collected during his career, he was awarded the Order of Canada, the Golden Jubilee Medal and the RAIC Gold Medal – the highest honour given to a Canadian architect.

“Bing Thom was a mentor to so many architects young and old, sharing his values and passion for creating beautiful spaces and places that better communities,” said BTA in a statement. “He was never afraid to speak his mind. He saw himself first as a public servant and held a fundamental belief in the transformative power of great architecture to uplift not only the physical, but also the economic and social conditions of a community.

“He demanded the best from everyone and inspired each of us to achieve it. His positive impact will continue to be felt both in the communities in which our projects are built and in the profound influence he had on his many colleagues and so many others.”

Studio Principal Venelin Kokalov, who will take over the leadership of BTA after working alongside Bing for over two decades, said: “Under Bing’s mentorship, I grew not just as a designer but also, through his example, as a leader. I am committed to carrying Bing’s dreams and vision into the future.”

In a statement, Bonnie Thom, Bing’s wife of over 50 years, said: “Bing believed architecture transcends the building, to shine its light onto its whole surroundings. He was so happy his architects also pursue this adventure of ‘building beyond buildings."

Thank you Bing for your talent, generosity, and inspiration to continue your creative vision around the globe. https://t.co/o59WoBZgRZ pic.twitter.com/kuriVSIBjP

— Bing Thom Architects (@BTArchitects) October 4, 2016