Athens, Greece
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 European Prize for Architecture presentation ceremonies were combined and held this year in Athens, Greece adjacent to the Acropolis on September 10 during the “The City and the World” Exhibition.
Architecture critic Christian Narkiewicz-Laine officiated in the ceremonies, representing both The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Special guests included Mrs. Martina Hermann, Deputy Head of Mission of The Austrian Embassy in Athens and Mr. Maurits ter Kuile, Deputy Ambassador of The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Athens, as well as architects from Europe, Asia, and the United States who were presented with the 2020 and 2021 International Architecture Awards.
Two of Europe’s leading architectural offices who have pushed the boundaries of design and theory were commended for their decades of achievements with Europe’s highest distinction for architecture.
Austrian architect Wolfgang Tschapeller, who won the 2020 European Prize for Architecture, was commended for his body of works that are stunning, dense, multifarious, complex, and remarkable achievements of the highest complexity that complement the longstanding history of the craft and mastery of the architectural form and purpose; balancing strength and delicacy and upholding the reverence for pursuing the intellectual qualities inherent in design that has made architecture, as the ancient Greeks believed, the first and highest art form.
He designs with exemplary, uncompromising radicalism, turning with daring virtuosity even the most insignificant project, from a house to an urban plaza, into a startling and elaborate Utopian vision.
He never compromises in his intellectual approach for unflawed perfection.
According to Narkiewicz-Laine, “The words ‘brilliant’ and ‘provocative’ are understatements in
describing this genius architect’s work.”
“Tschapeller is a ‘thinking architect’ alongside Piero della Francesca, Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, Wenzel Jamnitzer, Abraham Bosse, Girard Desargues, and Père Nicon.”
“He is the ultimate architect-philosopher.”
“His avant-garde approach is fluid, concise, and brilliantly astonishing, adjusting to the needs and influences of each environment that he crafts and through a concept of interrelated time and architectonic space.”
“Tschapeller has a one-of-a-kind architectural genius and intellectual voice that is starting to resonate inside Europe and across the globe.”
Next, Francine Houben and Dick van Gameren from the Dutch office of Mecanoo Architecten were presented with the 2021 European Prize for Architecture.
With offices in Delft, New York, and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the global firm has consistently and wholeheartedly pursued the highest quality of architecture for the specific location in which the project is to be built, the functions it would house, and especially for the people who would inhabit and use their buildings and spaces.
Mecanoo’s ethos is to design places for people and beginning the process of exploring the urban environment and observing the life which inhabits it.
Their ultimate goal is to make buildings that people want to use.
“As one of Europe’s most creative and cutting-edge offices,” Narkiewicz-Laine, “Mecanoo has shaped unique solutions for each varying situation, in which the disciplines of architecture, urban planning, landscape, and interior combine in a non-traditional way.”
“Over the years, they have learned that functions inevitably change, requiring an amazing amount of creative flexibility and acute aesthetic dexterity in order to create buildings that are prepared for (un) predictable change.”
“Their projects are never demonstrative or imposing, but something familiar, useful, and beautiful, with the ability to quietly support the life that will take place within it.”
“By prioritizing the enrichment of human life through a lens of generosity and freedom of use, they are able to benefit the individual socially, ecologically and economically, aiding the evolution of a city.”
“This has made Mecanoo a pioneer in a field that has made this firm a beacon to others as they forge their exemplary professional path.”
Francine Houben stated: “We were very happy and proud when we received the news that Mecanoo was elected as the 2021 recipient of the European Prize for Architecture, such an honor.”
“Together with Dick van Gameren we attempt the Gala Dinner Award Ceremony overlooking the majestic Acropolis in Athens, under the shade of The Parthenon.”
“We would like to thank on behalf of Mecanoo and all the Mecanoo’s who worked alongside the past 40 years this award and the kind words of Christian Narkiewicz-Laine.”
Organized by The Chicago Athenaeum, together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, The European Prize for Architecture is given annually to any living architect whose built work exemplifies the highest ideals of European civilization and embodies the vision, commitment, and profound respect for humanity and for the social and physical environment.
The European Prize for Architecture is not a “lifetime of achievement award,” but rather serves as the impetus to support new ideas, to encourage and foster more challenge-making and forward-thinking about buildings and the environment, and to prompt the pushing of the envelope to obtain an even greater, more profound result.
The Prize also honors the commitment and achievements of the best European architects.
Previous Laureates include: Bjarke Ingels (Denmark); Graft Architects (Germany); TYIN Architects (Norway) ; Marco Casagrande (Finland); Alessandro Mendini (Italy); Santiago Calatrava (Spain/ Switzerland); LAVA Laboratory for Visionary Architecture (Germany); Manuelle Gautrand (France); Sergei Tchoban (Russia/Germany); and Henning Larsen Architects (Denmark)
