The $100,000 CAD (€ 66,444) prize will be one of the biggest in architecture and is open to architects and architectural partnerships from anywhere in the world. It will be awarded to an "outstanding" building or project and can also be granted to a non-architect in recognition of an exceptional contribution to the built environment.
It has been established in partnership with Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, who has made a gift to the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) to create the award, and will be known as the Moriyama RAIC International Prize.
"My hope is that this prize will raise not only the stature of the RAIC internationally, but also the stature of Canada, and inspire Canadians and Canadian architects to aspire higher," said Moriyama in a statement. "It is not a lifetime achievement award," added Moriyama. "Anybody, young or old could apply and have a chance of winning."
The recipient will be selected through an open competition, and submissions for the first edition of the prize are due by 1 August this year.
GALA VENUE
The Aga Khan Museum, which is due to open in Fall 2014, will be the venue for the inaugural Moriyama RAIC International Prize Gala, taking place on October 11, 2014. The Museum is located in Toronto and will be dedicated to the acquisition, preservation and display of artifacts from various periods.
The Aga Khan Museum was designed by architect Fumihiko Maki with Maki and Associates and is part of the Wynford Park complex. The complex also includes the Ismaili Centre, which was designed by architect Charles Correa Associates. Moriyama & Teshima are the architects of record for the Wynford Park complex of buildings located on a 17-acre site on Wynford Drive in Toronto.
The Aga Khan Museum is the ideal venue given Moriyama & Teshima’s work on the Wynford Park complex and His Highness the Aga Khan being awarded the prestigious RAIC Gold Medal in December, 2013 for his extraordinary achievements using architecture as an instrument to further peaceful and sustainable community development around the world.
The RAIC aims to raise a further $5 million CAD to create an endowment fund for the prize.
"Raymond Moriyama conducted his practice with a rare degree of humanity and humility," said Barry Johns, chair of the RAIC Foundation board of trustees. "The prize is a testament to his vision and generosity."
Three students from Canadian schools of architecture will also receive scholarships of $5000 CAD and will be selected via an essay writing competition.
