Alvar Aalto Medal 2015

Contemporary Art Centre in Cordoba, Spain (2013) | Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos | © Roland Halbe

The Alvar Aalto Medal for 2015 has been awarded to Spanish architects Fuensanta Nieto and Enrique Sobejano, founding partners of Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos.

Nieto and Sobejano became key figures in the new wave of Spanish architecture in the late 1970s. Recognized as masters of light, the duo is known for their high-quality work embracing traditional values in architecture. They are creators of clean and harmonious spaces. Their designs produced by their office are characterized by high standards of creative excellence and an ability to rid spaces of disturbing clutter. 

Enrique Sobejano and Fuensanta Nieto | via asaforum.org

As stated by the Jury of the Alvar Aalto Medal 2015, Nietoand Sobejano have enjoyed a rising career path that is in many respects reminiscent of Alvar Aalto. Their portfolio is varied and instantly recognizable, maintaining outstanding standards of creative excellence, informed by a philosophy of respect for human life and the environment.

“Nieto & Sobejano proudly carry on a tradition of humanism in architecture” says the chairman of the jury, architect Rainer Mahlamäki. 

Temporary Market, Madrid, Spain (2008) | Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos | © Roland Halbe 

Expansion of San Telmo Museum, San Sebastian, Spain (2011) | Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos | © Fernando Alda

The Alvar Aalto Medal, established in 1967 honoring Finland’s most famous architect, recognizes creative excellence in the field of architecture and is conferred by its founders, the Museum of Finnish Architecture, the Architectural Society of Finland and the Finnish Architects’ Association together with the Alvar Aalto Foundation and the City of Helsinki. The jury was chaired by Rainer Mahlamäki and included Juulia Kauste, Simo Freese, Wessel de Jonge and Dorte Mandrup-Poulsen. The Medal, which was granted for the first time to

Spanish architects, has been awarded so far on eleven occasions. The list of winners is formed, among others, by James Stirling, Jørn Utzon, Tadao Ando, Álvaro Siza Vieira, Glenn Murcutt and Steven Holl. In the previous edition (2012) the prize was awarded to Portuguese architect Paulo David.

More information at:  www.mfa.fi/aaltomitali