Rob Horgan
A INNOVATIVE Spanish construction firm has been awarded a coveted architectural prize.
Madrid-based firm Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos received the 2015 Alvar Aalto medal in recognition of its ‘outstanding contribution to creative architecture’.
Founded by new wave architects Fuensanta Nieto and Enrique Sobejano, the company was praised for understanding and incorporating of ‘local culture and context’ in its projects.
“Nieto and Sobejano were key names in the new wave of Spanish architecture, which emerged in the late 1970s,” a spokesman for the Alvar Aalto judges panel said.
“The roots of their architecture lie in Spain, and its multi-layered history and culture.
“Their works speak a silent language, proving that the precondition of meaningful architecture is an in-depth understanding of local culture and the context of the design brief.”
Well known for renovations and expansions of old buildings, Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos has also expanded beyond Spain.
The 2010 restoration of the Ministry of Culture is the company’s most high-profile commision.
