The Madrid architects Nieto and Sobehano are best known for their buildings of museums and cultural centers, among their latest works are competition projects for the new building of the NCCA in Moscow (reached the final) and the Composer Arvo Pärt Center in Estonia (to be implemented).
According to the jury of this Finnish architecture award, the work of architects collaborating since 1984 demonstrates "how the cultural background of authors can inspire them to create works of outstanding quality and expressive power." Their designs feature artfully illuminated spaces devoid of any distracting, superficial components.
The chairman of the jury of the prize, Rainer Mahlamäki (bureau Lahdelma & Mahlamäki), emphasized that the work of the laureates is reminiscent of Alvar Aalto in many ways: their projects are diverse, but instantly recognizable, and imbued with respect for human life and the environment, continuing the tradition of humanism in architecture.
The Alvar Aalto Medal has been awarded every 4 years since 1967 by the Museum of Finnish Architects (MFA), the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA), the Architectural Society, the Alvar Aalto Foundation and the City of Helsinki. Among the laureates of the past years are Aalto himself, James Sterling, Jorn Utson, Tadao Ando, Stephen Hall.
