The prize is awarded every two years in the Barcelona pavilion of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the best building of a European architect on the territory of the European Union and exists under the patronage of EU structures. In addition to supporting architecture as an integral part of cultural and social life, the award, as conceived by the organizers, plays a broader - and more material - role, reminding that in Europe more than half a million people are employed in the architectural field directly, and more than 12 million - indirectly, as workers. construction sector. As part of the cultural and creative “industry”, architecture provides 4.5% of the EU's GDP.
This year the winner was an exemplary object by European standards - a high-quality building for a cultural institution in a small city (the population of Szczecin is about 400 thousand people). Philharmonic Hall, completed in 2014 (more illustrations here), replaced the old building of the same function. The Barcelona office Barozzi / Veiga was selected through an open international competition; Studio A4 from Szczecin also took part in the design. The glass facades of the building allow it to change its appearance depending on the lighting and the direction of view. Completing them "tongs" refer to the silhouette of the nearby princely castle. The interior of the symphonic music hall for 1000 spectators is defined by gilded wooden panels of a triangular shape. There is also a chamber music hall for 200 seats, a spacious foyer with exhibition spaces and a cafe that can play the role of a “city square” in the cold season, and premises for various cultural events.
But it was not only the multifunctionality that attracted the jury. Its members, led by Chino Dzukki, emphasized the project's “compelling formal and spatial strategy”, suitable for Szczecin, who strives for a better future in changing economic and social circumstances, and imparts “dignity to urban life”. They also noted that this modern "monument" strengthens the historical identity of Szczecin.
At the same time, as usual, young architects were also awarded - the Catalan bureau ARQUITECTURA – G for their private house Luz in Silleros in the south-west of Spain (for more details see. here). Their modest renovation project in terms of cost and size allowed for a new structure within the old walls, organized around a courtyard. In this case, the architects partly used the old parts of the building made of adobe bricks and stone, partly - inexpensive materials, such as, for example, terracotta tiles without glaze and painting.
The main prize was, as usual, 60,000 euros, the prize for young architects - 20,000 euros. Finalists (see our material about them here) and customers received commemorative medals.
