Architecture’s Nobel prize

Published on March 31, 2011 by The Editor · 1 Comment

Kirsty Connell joins in the acclaim for an architect whose designs have been likened to poetry and who fulfils the three major tenets of Vitruvius architecture

The winner of the 2011 Pritzker Architecture Prize has been announced early as Eduardo Souto de Moura. The $100,000 honour, dubbed ‘Architecture’s Nobel’, was supposed to be declared on April 11, but was leaked by a Spanish newspaper over the weekend.

Portuguese Souto de Moura was recognised by the Pritzker Prize jury for “a unique ability to convey seemingly conflicting characteristics — power and modesty, bravado and subtlety, bold public authority and sense of intimacy — at the same time.”

The annual award to a living architect was launched in 1979 by Chicago entrepreneur Jay A Pritzker and his wife Cindy, and continues to be endowed by the Pritzker family, majority owners of Hyatt Hotels.

Souto de Moura will be the second Portuguese laureate of the Pritzer Prize when he is formally inducted in June.

The first was his mentor, 1992 winner Alvaro Siza. Although best known for the stadium constructed into a mountainside (pictured) in Braga, Portugal, for UEFA’s 2004 European Cup, Souto de Moura’s projects also span homes and museums, including the Serpentine Pavilion in London.

His work is modest, striving to use natural materials like granite, wood and marble, whose designs have been likened to poetry and who fulfils the three major tenets of Vitruvius architecture, coined 2,000 years ago and inscribed on the Pritzker medal itself: commodity, firmness and delight.

“Eduardo Souto de Moura’s architecture is not obvious, frivolous or picturesque. It is imbued with intelligence and seriousness,” the Pritzker jurors stated in the citation.

“His work requires an intense encounter, not a quick glance. And like poetry, it is able to communicate emotionally to those who take the time to listen.”

Is there a building that you consider to be worthy of an award? Suggestions welcome

Kirsty Connell is a regular wowdewow blogger