International 2011 Piranesi Awards

Piran Days of Architecture (PDA) is an international architectural conference with one of the oldest traditions in the world. First presented in 1983 it is held every year at the end of November in the charming, medieval Slovene town Piran. The aim of the conference is to asses current trends in architecture and to present the most progressive and innovative ideas of architectural and spatial production. The conference is traditionally accompanied by several architectural exhibitions. The most important is the international architectural exhibition of recent works by Central European architects which compete for the distinguished international Piranesi Award, which went to Marte.Marte Architekten this year. More images and information on the winners after the break.

International 2011 Piranesi Award
Marte.Marte Architekten, Aflenzbrücke, Lorüns, Austria, 2010

The project can be seen as a sculpture, as well as an engineering achievement. It is architecture with a sensible relation to the landscape. It relates to the historical railway bridges, but it is transformed with another material and contemporary expression. The smoothness of the concrete relates to the landscape elements in the surrounding. The bridge takes in account the safety and enjoyment of the user.

International 2011 Piranesi Honorable Mention
Magnani Pelzel Map studio, Renovation of Torre Porta Nuova, Venice, Italy, 2011

Project is sensible to the old substance – the old tower in the Venice Arsenale. Materiality of the solution is reduced in order to bring out the value of the old structure without disturbing it. The use of artificial light underlines the qualities of the old architecture. Minimal but very distinct gestures expresses the attitude of architects, which is at the same time humble and clearly manifested.

International 2011 Piranesi Student’s Honorable Mention
Stefan Jos, The Berlin Stage, Germany, 2011, Graz University of Technology

The solution successfully interprets the open space in the context of Mies van der Rohe National Gallery. Internal organization provides plenty of space for various functions and activities.

International 2011 Piranesi Student’s Honorable Mention
Michael Lammer, Auditorium and Congress Center, Terezin, Czech Republic, 2011, Graz University of Technology

The project, located near the former concentration camp Terezin, is integrated in a location with strong historical importance. The solution is adequate and well organized. Confrontation between the old and new materials is well balanced.

For more information on the awards, please visit here.