French royalty; Jean Nouvel
Authors
Citation
Hinge, v.155, 2008, pp. 50-63
Abstract
The Pritzker Prize, architecture’s most famous accolade by far, is for the most part a crown bestowed on the profession’s ‘grand’ figures. It is rarely, if ever, granted to upstarts or promising younger practitioners, principally because it is a retrospective award. It chooses to confirm a career, rather than spotlight a particular building or a theoretical position. This has resulted in the prize being given to mostly older men (laureate Zaha Hadid, neither old nor a man, is a notable exception, among few others). Architecture takes years to make, architectural careers take decades to mature. In that sense, the Pritzker shortlist is logically rather predictable; there simply aren’t that many figures of a sufficiently high stature and substantial building list to qualify for serious consideration. Even the most brilliant ‘small practitioner’ will have a hard time competing with the big names. Glenn Murcutt, winner in 2002, was the exception that proved the rule, many had never heard his name.
Without question the Pritzker Prize enhances the stature of those it is bestowed upon. They may not need new clients, more money or greater fame, but the prize essentially endorses in a permanent sense, their premiere position in the field. To win a Pritzker is to join a pantheon of great talents. This does not, however, mean that all agree that each recipient is worthy or even that it makes sense to beautify architects in this fashion. There are many professionals scornful of the process. Nonetheless, the nature of the prize and the aspect of predictability at least ensure that most people recognize why each winner was chosen. While specific buildings of the winners may be occasionally controversial, the choice of individual rarely is.
(1) Tour de Verre, 2007-in progrsss, New YorkCity, USA
(2) Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art, 1991-1994, Paris, France
(3) Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum, 2007-in progress
(4) 40 Mercer Street, 2001-2007, New York City, USA
(5) Lyon Opera House, 1986-1993
(6) Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA or Arab World Institure), 1981-1987, Paris, France
(7) Philharmonic Hall, 2007-in progress, Paris, France
(8) Quai Branly Museum, 1999-2006, Paris, France
(9) Nemausus 1 Public Housing, 1985-1987, Nimes, France
Description
Subject
Type
Article
Format
Date
2008
Language
en