Spanish architect bags top award

The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and the European
Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies have announced the noted and controversial Spanish-born architect Santiago Calatrava as the recipient of the 2015 European Prize for Architecture.

The accolade is Europe’s most prestigious architecture prize, awarded annually to architects who have made substantial contributions to the field while ensuring that their designs benefit humanity.

The Spain-born architect, Santiago, is more than just an architect, said Christian Narkiewicz-Laine, the President of the Chicago Athenaeum. “He is a visionary, theorist, philosopher, utopian and a true artist in the craft of engineering and architectonic expressionism. His buildings are not just ‘buildings’. They are powerful works of art, inspired by a master’s gifted hand and sculpted by a superior, critical eye immensely evocative and fiercely intellectual.”

In awarding the European Prize for Architecture to Santiago, both institutions have recognised his tremendous achievements over the course of his career, including the Stadelhofen railway station in Zurich, Switzerland, the Bac de Roda Bridge in Barcelona, Spain and the Peace Bridge in Calgary, Canada. The jury also recognised the many exhibitions in world-renowned institutions that have featured Santiago’s work, including the Hermitage Museum in St.

Petersburg, Russia and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, USA.
Santiago will receive the European Prize for Architecture at a ceremony at the World Trade Center in New York City later this month.