Mies van der Rohe Award 2013

After the announcement of the winner building last month, the granting ceremony of the 13th edition of the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award will take place in 7th of June presenting the awards to the prize winner: Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre by Henning Larsen Architects, Studio Olafur Eliasson, and Batteríið Architects.

About the magnificent building designed by the Icelandic and German teams, Wiel Arets, the president of the jury highlights: “The ever-changing play of coloured light, promoting a dialogue between the city of Reykjavik and the building's interior life.”

The Mies van der Rohe Award which is given by the European Commission and the Mies van der Rohe Foundation highlights the contribution of european architects to the development of new ideas and technologies in contemporary urban development.

Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth declared: "I would like to congratulate all the architects who were nominated and the finalists in particular. We have an enormous wealth of talent in European architecture, which is a shining example of our dynamic cultural and creative sectors.  

At the same time, we recognise that the architecture industry faces significant challenges resulting from the economic slowdown. The European Commission and Mies van der Rohe Foundation are committed to supporting the sector which makes a significant contribution to the economy and job creation, as well as being a creator of beauty and force for cohesion for our society. We will continue to support architecture, including through this prize, through the future Creative Europe programme". 

In this edition participated 335 projects from 37 european countries, including Portugal, whose project of a House for Elderly People by the architects Francisco and Manuel Aires Mateus was part of the five finalists. 

To watch a short movie about Harpa, click here: http://vimeo.com/28271559

Find out more at: www.miesarch.com / www.henninglarsen.com