Zlatého lva na 13. bienále architektury v Benátkách získal Álvaro Siza

V rámci připravovaného 13. benátského bienále byl také oznámen laureát ocenění Zlatý lev za celoživotní tvorbu, které si odnáší portugalský architekt Álvaro Siza. Slavnostní předání sošky Zlatého lva se uskuteční 29. srpna 2012 v areálu Giardini v rámci zahajovacího ceremoniálu. Letošní porota, které předsedal Paolo Baratta, se rozhodovala na doporučení hlavního kurátora 13. architektonického bienále Davida Chipperfielda.
Zde si můžete přečíst zdůvodnění výběru poroty:
“It is difficult to think of a contemporary architect who has maintained such a consistent presence within the profession as Álvaro Siza. That this presence is maintained by an architect that lives and works at the extreme Atlantic margin of Europe only serves to emphasize his authority and his status.
Since the early appreciation of the Boa Nova restaurant and the swimming pools at Leca de Palmeira and a reputation confirmed by the early houses, Siza has maintained a unique position in the architectural galaxy. This position is full of paradox. Siza has upheld a consistent production of works at the highest level, yet without the slightest hint of the overt professionalism and promotion that has become part of the contemporary architect’s machinery. Apparently running in the opposite direction to the rest of the profession he always seems to be out in front, seemingly untainted and undaunted by the practical and intellectual challenges he sets himself.
Secured by his isolated location, he exudes worldly wisdom. Experimenting with forms of extreme geometry he manages to produce buildings of great rigor. Developing an architectural language that is uniquely his, he seems to speak to all of us. While his work exudes the security of judgment, it is clearly intensified through cautious reflection. While we are dazzled by the lightness of his buildings, we feel the seriousness of their substance. Those of us fortunate enough to have heard him speak about architecture, using words as sparingly and as precise as the fine lines of his drawings, know that these works are not the product of a conventional talent but of a mind sophisticatedly exercised by the confidence of knowledge and the wisdom of doubt.”