Pritzker Architecture Prize 2006

Pritzker Architecture Prize 2006 for Paulo Mendes da Rocha
SeARCHNationale Staalprijs 2006

April 10, 2006

The Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha (1928) has been chosen as the 2006 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. ?oMendes da Rocha brings the joyful lilt of Brazil to his work, and in so doing lifts the spirits of all those whose lives are touched by it [...]?


Thomas J. Pritzker, president of The Hyatt Foundation, said, ?oMendes da Rocha has shown a deep understanding of space and scale through the great variety of buildings he has designed, from private residences, housing complexes, a church, museums and sports stadia to urban plans for public space. While few of his buildings were realized outside of Brazil, the lessons to be learned from his work, both as a practicing architect and a teacher, are universal.?

The new laureate began his career in the 1950s. Soon after graduating he won a national competition for the construction of a gymnasium, swimming pool and sports areas at the Paulistano Athletic Club in São Paulo. This work brought him public recognition, winning the Presidential Award at the 6th Bienal of São Paulo in 1961.
The first project abroad was in 1969: the Brazilian Pavilion for the International Expo in Osaka, Japan.and was part of what was then considered the avant-garde in São Paulo. He was known loosely as creators of the Paulist brutalist architecture ?" practicioners whose work, often using simple materials and forms, emhasized an ethical dimension of architecture.

During a career that spans six decades, he has maintained his own practice, taught for many years at the University of São Paulo, and contributed to the professional community through his work as president of the Brazilian Institute for Architects. He has lectured extensively throughout South America and Europe. He has received many awards, but it was the Mies van der Rohe Prize for Latin American Architecture in 2000 that brought international recognition.
(from internet)

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