la Biennale di Venezia 13th International Architecture Exhibition ...

la Biennale di Venezia
Álvaro Siza Vieira
Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement
of the 13 th International Architecture Exhibition
Álvaro Siza Vieira has been chosen to be the recipient of the Golden Lion for Lifetime
Achievement of the 13 th International Architecture Exhibition – Common Ground.
The decision is made by the Board of la Biennale di Venezia, chaired by Paolo Baratta,
under Director David Chipperfield who presented the following motivation:
“I am equal in size to whatever I see,
not hemmed in by the size I am”
(Fernando Pessoa, The Book of Disquiet)
“It is difficult to think of a contemporary architect who has maintained such a consistent
presence within the profession as Álvaro Siza. That this presence is maintained by an
architect that lives and works at the extreme Atlantic margin of Europe only serves to
emphasise his authority and his status.”
“Since the early appreciation of the Boa Nova restaurant and the swimming pools at Leca
de Palmeira and a reputation confirmed by the early houses, Siza has maintained a unique
position in the architectural galaxy. This position is full of paradox. Siza has upheld a
consistent production of works at the highest level, yet without the slightest hint of the
overt professionalism and promotion that has become part of the contemporary architect’s
machinery. Apparently running in the opposite direction to the rest of the profession he
always seems to be out in front, seemingly untainted and undaunted by the practical and
intellectual challenges he sets himself.”
“Secured by his isolated location, he exudes worldly wisdom. Experimenting with forms
of extreme geometry he manages to produce buildings of great rigor. Developing an
architectural language that is uniquely his, he seems to speak to all of us. While his work
exudes the security of judgment, it is clearly intensified through cautious reflection. While
we are dazzled by the lightness of his buildings, we feel the seriousness of their substance.
Those of us fortunate enough to have heard him speak about architecture, using words as
sparingly and as precise as the fine lines of his drawings, know that these works are not
the product of a conventional talent but of a mind sophisticatedly exercised by the
confidence of knowledge and the wisdom of doubt.” (David Chipperfield)
The Golden Lion will be officially awarded to Álvaro Siza Vieira on Wednesday August 29 th , 2012
- 11am at the Giardini of la Biennale, during the opening and award ceremony of the 13 th
International Architecture Exhibition.