December 10, 2008
The 2009 AIA (American Institute of Architects) Gold Medal has been awarded to Australian architect Glenn Murcutt for the depth of his work and the great influence his works have had worldwide.
Born in London in 1926 (but 100% Australian), he has conducted his activity exclusively in Australia, and against the trend of gigantism of a lot of contemporary architecture. His principal works are indeed one-family houses, often built in isolated areas, characterised by a rigorous respect for the environment, and wonderfully integrated with the morphology and climate of the areas where they are sited.
He draws inspiration from the vernacular forms of his country, from the rigorous geometries of Mies van der Rohe, and from Alvar Aalto’s naturalistic Modernist revisions.
Already the recipient of the Pritzker Prize in 2002, Glen Murcutt will receive this award in the course of a ceremony which will be held in Washington D.C. in February.