Susana Ventura wins Fernando Távora award

Architect Susana Ventura is the winner of the 9th edition of the Fernando Távora Award with the proposal "Expedition to an intensive architecture". The prize was awarded unanimously by the jury chaired by Architect Paula Santos (representing OASRN) and consisting of the Sculptor José Pedro Croft, Architects Pedro Bandeira, José António Bunting (appointed by Casa da Arquitectura) and Dr. José Maria Ferrão (designated by the family of Architect Fernando Távora).

For the jury, the winning proposal "clearly reveals the purpose and consistency in the proposal capable of unifying different geographies and cultures. Referencing distinct architectural objects, proposes a thematic reading capable of building an unexpected narrative. The journey relates landscapes between the East and Northern and Central Europe, and modern and contemporary architects. "

The route of the journey will pass by Japan (Tokyo, Kamakura, Karuizawa, Kawaguchi, Tokamachi, Aichi), Norway (Vardo), Finland (Helsinki), Sweden (Stockholm, Malmö), Czech Republic (Prague), Austria (Vienna), Switzerland (Kreuzberg, Montreux).

Steilneset Witch Trial Memorial, Vardo - Norway | Photos: Peter Zumthor Archive Büro

Susana Ventura was born in Coimbra in 1978. Architect, writer, curator, postdoc researcher: PhD in Philosophy, Aesthetics specialty, with the thesis "The body without organs of architecture", which included residential research in studios of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Lacaton & Vassal and Peter Zumthor. Currently, she is developing the Postdoctoral project entitled "Towards an intensive architecture" at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP), being a member of its study center (CEAU-FAUP) and is Commissioner (along with architects Maria Rita Rita Parents and Gold) of "Habitar Portugal 09_11" Selection Ordem dos Arquitectos.

Susana Ventura | Photo: Catarina Botelho

The Fernando Távora Award is a unique, annual premium - consists in assigning of a travel grant in the amount of six thousand euros - and nationwide, aimed at all members of the Ordem dos Arquitectos. It was established in honor of this architect from Porto, who is a reference in Portuguese architecture for its activity as an architect and educator.

The Award is organized by OASRN in partnership with the Municipality of Matosinhos  (CMM) and Associação Casa da Arquitectura (ACA), sponsored by AXA. The OASRN received 27 applications for the 9th edition of the Award Fernando Távora.

The deadline for submission of applications ended February 3, 2014. The Conference Winner, public announcement of the constitution of the jury and opening of the 10th edition of the Prize will take place on 6 October 2014, the World Architecture Day.

More information at: www.oasrn.org