As a literary figure of many interests, Friedrich Achleitner belonged to the Vienna Group, wrote contributions increasingly concerned with architectural criticism and ultimately led to a systematic investigation of Austria’s building culture.
Achleitner has developed a special quality of precise analysis of buildings and over-arching development in architectural and urban history on the basis of a productive combination of literature and architectural criticism, which until now has shaped his rich oeuvre. Special mention should be made of the documentation on “Austrian Architecture of the 20th Century”, which is collected in three volumes and which has set the highest standards for historiography as well as for other fields. This comprehensive work is the result of many year’s research on the basis of careful evaluation of all accessible archival resources, personal visits of all buildings on site and their linguistically brilliant evaluation.
With typological studies of regionalism in architecture Achleitner gave an impetus to theoretical reflection on design practice which also had an international impact. Referred to as the “conscience of architecture”, he participates in current debates and is expanding his life’s work in further studies. (D. Steiner)
In search of paradigms for an entire culture, be it for building culture, regional culture or even an entire culture for our time, Jensen & Skodvin are developing a coherent architecture for all these three components of culture. This coherence stems from the basic principles to which they are adhering: their architecture has a mediating effect in the context of existing fabric, be it in relation to the given topography or built substance. As a result of this respect and understanding for this existing fabric the overall design reaches a poetic simultaneity.
Jan Olaf Jensen and Børre Skodvin are experts at aligning their buildings to key constructional and tectonic principles – despite the harsh climate conditions in Norway. They demonstrate in an exemplary manner how substantial and at the same time poetic architecture is possible today. Whether it is a residential building, hotel or church, it reveals itself to the observer. (W. Wang)
The work of the French architect, researcher, scientist and curator Jean Louis Cohen includes publications and exhibitions, which have made essential contributions to the understanding of international connections between prominent modern age architects and their impact. Cohen discusses building culture as a means of self-understanding beyond national traditions.
Involved in numerous research projects since 1973, Cohen precisely investigates the political, social and cultural conditions of the work of architects and city planners in various epochs. His research on architecture and city planning in revolutionary Russia is integrated in the discourse about the ambivalence of the modern age. His studies of Le Corbusier’s work in the Soviet Union have pervaded questions about the relationship between power and morality. Cohen also focuses on the eventful relationship between France and Germany.
The projects of German architects for cities and regions in France occupied during World War II, are also part of his studies along with the work of French architects in Germany after the war. Between meticulous research and a vivid display of the results at exhibitions and in extensive publications, Jean-Louis Cohen has succeeded like no other scientist in the history of architecture and planning to address a wide audience. At the same time he raises his voice in support of the quality of the environment created by human beings and against its endangerment due to the change in generations and epochs. (W. Durth)
In the shadow of the spectacular manifestos of China’s new architecture,Wang Shu & Lu Wenyu Amateur Architecture Studio is demanding a return to the historical tradition of Chinese architecture in its dialogue between crafts and landscape. The office is consciously working with local resources and materials and derives its poetic and atmospheric energy.
Beyond the global boom of vain icons, architecture thus returns to the point from which it has always started anew: in the use of local resources and the incorporation of local traditions. This attitude is thus a paradigm for every other region of the world. Perhaps it is a paradox that such a powerful counter position is being formulated in the realm of the very world power which is accelerating global development today.
The British-American architect and historian Kenneth Frampton is honored for his fundamental studies on tectonics and the architectonic large-scale form as predominant elements of urban landscapes. His theoretical range encompasses a vastness that no other prominent thinker in architecture has yet achieved. In addition, he will be honored for his accurate studies in which he has been analyzing current construction processes as well as the history of modern architecture since the early 19th century.
