Living Places – Simon Architecture Prize distinguishes works which strengthen the ability of adaptability of spaces to reach comfort and well-being to its residents. Architecture which turns into quality places for people’s every day lives: for working, learning, playing, … Architecture to be lived in. It is an initiative of Simon and it is developed by the Fundació Mies van der Rohe.
The definition of the categories around which the Living Places – Simon Architecture Prize is structured has to do with this focus on the individual and the links he or she establishes with space, on how individuals appropriate space to themselves, thereby converting it into place. Making a parallel with the field in which Simon specialises, the two categories might be defined initially on the basis of the following relationship: in collective places a consensus must be reached among individuals before turning a switch on or off, whereas in personal places it is the individual who decides whether to do so or not.
Last 22nd November Simon Holding and FundacióMies van der Rohe announced the 5 Finalist works for the Collective Places category and the 5 Finalist works for the Collective Places category of the Living Places – Simon Architecture Prize. Two projects, one per category, will be awarded the Prize that commemorates Simon’s centenary and which consists in 10.000€ for each winner.
The 5 Finalist works for Collective Places are:
Ceuta Public Library, Ceuta, by Paredes Pedrosa Arquitectos
Co-Housing - Wohnprojekt Wien, Viena, by EinszueinsArchitektur
Dressing up the square, Olot, by unparelld'arquitectes
Madrid Rio, Madrid, by Burgos & Garrido, Porras La Casta, Rubio & A-Sala and West 8
Sala Beckett. Theatre and International Drama Centre, Barcelona, by Flores & Prats
The 5 Finalist works for Personal Places are:
Crematorium Hofheide, Nieuwrod, by RCR Arquitectes and Coussé & Goris
Full Moon,Olot, by unparelld'arquitectes
Las Huertas Apartment. Housing Renovation in Madrid, Majadahonda, by José Manuel Fiori I HanimalCreative
Provinciehuis of North-Brabant,'s-Hertogenbosch, by KAAN Architecten
Transformation of 530 dwellings, block G, H, I,Bordeaux, by Lacaton & Vassal with Frédéric Druot and Christophe Hutin.
Living Places – Simon Architecture Prize received 104 built works from 16 European countries.The Jury analysed all the proposals and reviewed the videos, drawings, photographs, briefs and panels submitted by participants before they drew up a list of 10 finalists. The jury members were Ilka Ruby (architect, founder of Ruby Press , from Berlin), Camilla van Deurs (architect, partner director of Gehl/Making Cities for People, from Copenhagen), Carlos Ferrater (founding partner architect of OAB, from Barcelona), Albert Moya (filmmaker, from Barcelona – New York) and Salvi Plaja (Industrial Designer and Design Director for Simon, from Barcelona).
The two Winners and the Jury will participate next December 22 in the Granting Ceremony that will take place at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona. This event will conclude the celebration of Simon’s centenary.
