In an exciting ceremony held on 22 June 2023, the High Council of Spanish Architects’ Associations (CSCAE) presented its the ARCHITECTURE AWARDS. For the second year running, this event was officially sponsored by COMPAC®. Accordingly, the scene was set for an inspiring evening in recognition of architects and projects that embody the fundamental values of our discipline. Consequently, this inspiring ceremony highlighted the fundamental pillars of contemporary architecture and urbanism. These included social responsibility, cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
Image 1: Arquitectura Awards 2023 Gala
As such, they rewarded the capacity of our built spaces to improve quality of life. Similarly, the award winners’ determination to contribute to the creation of a better future was an unquestionable feature of their work.
Reflecting on the vital impact of architecture: an evening of celebration and recognition
The ARCHITECTURE Award winners have demonstrated exceptional dedication to creating spaces. As a result, their initiatives not only inspire, but also transform our reality. Therefore, with their talent and dedication, they have managed to transcend conventional barriers. In doing so, they have contributed to a more inclusive, sustainable and humane built environment.
Furthermore, this evening of celebration witnessed a historic moment when the prestigious Gold Medal of Architecture was awarded to the architect César Portela. This prize was awarded in recognition of his outstanding professional career. The award has been presented since 1981 by the CSCAE and is a symbol of excellence. It is also an appreciation of the lasting legacy bequeathed by every architect in our discipline.
The ceremony was instrumental in addressing the importance and impact of architecture in our lives. The architect, actress and writer Cayetana Cabezas hosted the evening. And Marta Vall-Llossera, CSCAE president, in her speech emphasised the fact that “Architecture transcends the environment in which we live, work, educate and enjoy our lives.”
She went on to say that “in the face of a globalisation that tends towards uniformity, quality architecture acts as a safeguard of our cultural values and our identity as a community.’
Image 2: Marta Vall-Llossera, president of CSCAE and David Lucas, Secretary of State for Transport
COMPAC®’s inspiring vision at the Arquitectura Awards 2023: collaboration, innovation and social engagement
Paco Sanchis, CEO of COMPAC® which was official sponsor of the event, emphasised the collaboration between professionals and industry. He also spoke of the importance of research and innovation for social progress. “As professionals and as an industry, we must continue to research and innovate together. In this way we can develop effective solutions that will shape the landscape in which future generations will live’. ‘At COMPAC, we are committed to contributing with our best materials to the daily practice of architecture. Therefore, with these awards, we hope to raise awareness among the public of architecture’s social value in building a better, fairer and more sustainable world’.
When architecture becomes art: TOITS, the masterpiece by OA Estudio that raises the bar at the Awards Gala.
At the prestigious ARCHITECTURE Awards, the winners were presented with the extraordinary TOITS prize. This was created by Petra Lioz with Terrazzo™ COMPAC® and designed by OA Estudio. Terrazzo™ COMPAC® is a versatile material that can be sculpted to any shape or form, increasing its possible applications.
Image 3: TOITS Award presented to the winners and made with Terrazzo™ COMPAC®.
TOITS in Terrazzo™ made by COMPAC® has drawn the attention of the architecture community. The reason is that, as a benchmark material, it meets the highest standards in terms of aesthetics, durability and sustainability. It is further evidence of COMPAC®’s commitment to excellence and progress in the architecture industry.
Prado National Museum: An iconic setting to pay homage to the cultural and architectural heritage of the city.
The Jury was tasked with selecting the winning projects from among over 400 entries. As such, their mission was to evaluate and recognise works that stood out for their architectural dissemination and innovation. They also took into account entrepreneurship, sustainability, health, culture, rehabilitation, professional ethics and commitment. In addition, three projects received special mentions for excellence in architecture, urbanism and permanence at a national level.
Image 4: Arquitectura Awards 2023 winners
These awards are a testament to the dedication and passion of architects. With their creations they have managed to combine functionality, beauty and respect for the environment.
The awards gala began in the magnificent auditorium designed by Rafael Moneo. It subsequently moved to the historic Cloister of Saint Jeronimo in the Prado National Museum in Madrid. This location served as a tribute to our rich cultural tradition and architectural heritage. The professionals in attendance have raised the potential of architecture through their inspiring work, which has left a lasting mark on society.
Image 5: Cloister of Saint Jeronimo in the Prado Museum in Madrid
Winning projects at Arquitectura Awards Gala
SUSTAINABILITY AND HEALTH PRIZE: Universal values
The universal values prize was awarded to ‘Social housing in Ibiza’, a project by Pep Ripoll Vaquer and Juan Miguel Tizón Garau. This innovative building in Ibiza combines sustainable housing and community spaces, drawing inspiration from local architecture.
NEW BAUHAUS PRIZE: Cultural and artistic values
This prize recognises cultural and artistic values. A project that presents an innovative approach to inclusive and democratic urbanism in the design of a new neighbourhood. The ‘Wildgarten Quartier Wien’ project was created by Arenas Basabe Palacios Architects (Enrique Arenas Laorga, Luis Basabe Montalvo and Luis Palacios Labrador); M&S Architekten, Vienna (urbanism), Buschina & Partner, Vienna (architecture).
Image 7: Wildgarten Quartier Wien
COMMITMENT PRIZE: Values associated with innovation, diversification, dissemination and raising awareness
This prize was awarded to ‘Domestic dawns’. Collective housing in 21st century Europe. A project by Carmen Espegel, Andrés Cánovas and José María de Lapuerta. The book is a compilation of the fascinating exhibition at the ICO Museum. It explores housing in 21st century Europe through engaging themes, interviews and sketches.
Image 8: Amaneceres domésticos. Collective housing in 21st century Europe.
PROFESSIONAL PRIZES: Professional and ethical values
The professional and ethical values prize was awarded to the Escuela Inicial 140. This is located in the community of Santa Cruz de Villacuri ‘Barrio Chino’, Ica, Peru. The project is by Atelier Ander Bados (Ander Bados Sesma) and Estudio Copla (Betsaida Curto Reyes). It is striking for its architectural excellence and commitment to sustainability in environmental aspects. And additionally, its, social and economic context.
Image 9: Escuela inicial 140 in the community of Santa Cruz de Villacuri «Barrio Chino», Ica, Perú
RE AWARD FOR REHABILITATION: Values associated with rehabilitation, renovation and regeneration
This prize rewards projects with the values associated with refurbishment, renovation and regeneration. This year’s award went to ‘Rehabilitation of Offices 1822’. A project by HARQUITECTES (David Lorente; Josep Ricart; Xavier Ros; Roger Tudó). This project promotes collaboration and wellbeing in harmony with nature.
Image 10: Rehabilitación de oficinas 1822
HABITAT AWARD Essential values of Architecture and Urbanism
In the Universal Values category ‘Adaptation of landscape and intervention in the Almadraba Nueva Umbría, Lepe’ was the winner. A project by María González and Juan José López de la Cruz. This project restores the art of tuna fishing in Huelva. Thus it merges heritage and coastal environment in perfect harmony.
Image 11: Adecuación Paisajística e Intervención en la Almadraba de Nueva Umbría, Lepe
ARQUITECTURA AWARDS special mentions
In addition to these awards, three projects received special mentions:
Spanish Architecture Award ex aequo to ‘Office Rehabilitation 1882’ by HARQUITECTES (David Lorente; Josep Ricart; Xavier Ros; Roger Tudó) and to ‘House in Red’ by Estudio Entresitio (María Hurtado de Mendoza Wahlorén, César Jiménez de Tejada Benavides and Alvar Ruíz Villanueva).
The technical office Spanish Urbanism Award for ‘Plan N`undo #Manilva’, represented by Beatriz Sendín Jiménez, Verónica Sánchez Carrera and Alejandro del Castillo.
The Permanence Award went to the ‘Centro de Congresos de Murcia’ by Paredes Pedrosa Arquitectos (Ángela García de Paredes; Ignacio G. Pedrosa).
A place where indoor and outdoor spaces converge, forming an ensemble of halls and courtyards in a beautiful garden.
