Cultural icons

IT is known as the Nobel prize of the architecture world. And this year the Pritzker prize, as the Olive Press reported in the last issue, was awarded to British architect David Chipperfield, who has a firm affinity to Spain. Aside from having a holiday home in Galicia, he has designed many masterpieces in the country - as have a host of other Pritzker prize winners. The gong is awarded each year to architects who have used their craft to

The ten key buildings in Spain designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects

By Regina Roberts

‘contribute to humanity and the built environment’ and the work of the winners can be found around many of the country’s favourite cities.

Many of them have become major cultural attractions with their unique designs that pay homage to Spanish culture. Here, the Olive Press picks 10 key buildings designed by winners of the illustrious prize which showcase how important Spain has become as a centre for the latest ideas in architecture.

PHILIP JOHNSON, GATE OF EUROPE TOWERS OR TORRES KIO, MADRID, 1996

American architect Philip Johnson was the first recipient of the Pritzker Prize in 1979.

Ten years after receiving it, he collaborated with John Burgee to design this remarkable twin office building on Plaza de Castilla, in Madrid. The world’s first inclined skyscrapers, slanted at a 15 degree angle, they are the second tallest towers in Spain standing at 115 metres in height. The tower’s iconic design has made them a well-known part of the Madrid skyline and they have been featured in various movies.

JEAN NOUVEL, TORRE AGBAR/TORRE GLORIES, BARCELONA, 2005

French architect Jean Nouvel, winner of the 2008 prize, also partnered with Fermin Vazquez to design the Torre Glories, the third tallest building in Barcelona. The bullet-shaped building has become a tourist attraction and one of its enticing features is its night lighting. Its futuristic construction, configured by aluminium, concrete, and glass, makes it stand out alongside Barcelona’s historic architecture.

RAFAEL MONEO, TOWN HALL, MURCIA 1998

ZAHA HADID, LOPEZ DE HEREDIA WINE PAVILION, HARO, RIOJA, 2006

Visionary Hadid was commissioned for this winery by Lopez de Heredia for its 125th anniversary. Chosen for her innovation and daring designs, the pavilion combines the architect’s modern style with the winery’s traditional feel.

Hadid described the design as a ‘bridge between the past, present, and future evolution’ of the bodega.

Spaniard Moneo, who won the Prize in 1996, was commissioned to design this modern institutional building for Murcia’s town hall. Set in historic Cardenal Belluga Plaza, between the 16th century cathedral and the Episocal Palace, it needed to be sensitive, but also impactful. The building’s design shows a contrasting modernity that has made it a subject of controversy… but it certainly stands out. Continues on Page 12

In 2004, she became the first woman to be awarded the prize.

DAVID CHIPPERFIELD, AMERICA’S CUP BUILDING ‘VELES E VENTS,’ VALENCIA, 2006

Winner of the 2023 prize, Chipperfield designed the America’s Cup Building ‘Veles e Vents,’ which was inaugurated in 2006.

The building was constructed to be the social centre for the America

Cup, the world’s premier offshore racing competition.

It was designed specifically with the sport in mind, with its overlapping panels that provide shaded views of the sea and outdoor space that takes up more than half of the building.

The four-story building offers two bars, restaurants, a wellness centre, and VIP lounge, making it the hub of activity during competition season.

RICHARD MEIER, BARCELONA MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, BARCELONA 1995

Showcasing

TOYO ITO, FIRA TOWERS TORRE REALIA BCN AND HOTEL PORTA FIRA, BARCELONA, 2009

The verging line in the middle to add a touch of colour. In contrast, the Hotel Porta Fira is entirely red and in the shape of a distorted cylinder. In 2010, it won the Emporis award for the best skyscraper globally.

JEAN NOUVEL ET AL., HOTEL PUERTA AMERICA, MADRID, 2005

No less than five Pritzker prize winners took part in designing this hotel, making it a major collaborative work in Madrid.

Jean Nouvel was in charge of the attic, 12th floor, and façade, which was decorated with lines from the poem, Liberté, by Paul Eluard.

Zaha Hadid oversaw the first floor, designing it with curves and white lighting.

Norman Foster worked on the second floor highlighting elements of luxury and elegance. Recent winner, David Chipperfield developed the third floor using geometric elements and unique materials, such as terracotta.

Finally, Arata Isozaki, the 2019 prize winner, designed the tenth floor, using Japanese influences and wood panelling to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Other famous architects and designers including Ron Arad and Marc Newson worked on different aspects of the building, making it a showcase of internationally renowned work.