Spanish firm Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos has been selected to receive the 2015 Alvar Aalto Medal. Awarded every three years, the Alvar Aalto Medal recognizes an office or architect “with outstanding merit in creative architecture.” Nieto Sobejano and its founders – Fuensanta Nieto and Enrique Sobejano—were commended by the jury for their profound understanding of the local cultures where they work.

“Nieto and Sobejano were key names in the new wave of Spanish architecture, which emerged in the late 1970s. The roots of their architecture lie in Spain, and its multi-layered history and culture,” the jury wrote. “Their works speak a silent language, proving that the precondition of meaningful architecture is an in-depth understanding of local culture and the context of the design brief.”

What is the draw of the aerial view? Whereas architects and designers often find solace in this particular spatial perspective there is a more inclusive, universal appeal to this way of seeing. The ease of access to online mapping services has increased our collective reliance on understanding our world from above.

Maps condense the planet into a little world inside our pocket, the commodification of which has universalised the ‘plan-view’ photograph. The question of whether or not their ubiquitous availability, having now been assimilated into our collective consciousness, is a positive step for the status of the plan is a discussion ongoing. Yet, in the face of this dilemma, architectural photographers are pushing the boundaries of drone technology in order to find new meaning.

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As part of ArchDaily's commitment to providing our users with the best, most complete coverage of the most relevant information in the architecture world, we have formed partnerships with important organizations--such as the Pritzker Foundation--in order to promote the best practices in the architecture. Now, we would like to share with you CEMEX’s Building Award, an annual competition that recognizes the best in construction, highlighting innovative design, building and construction techniques, across nine different categories.

Past winners have included the Tadao Ando's Roberto Garza Sada Center, Estudio MMX’s CAP House, DVA Arhitekta’s House on Krk Island, and Paredes Pedrosa’s Public Library in Ceuta. The contest calls for entries of projects that were completed the previous year in Mexico and in 10 other countries where CEMEX operates. This year’s winners will be announced in November.

Read after the break for more information and a complete list of the competition’s categories…

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In honor of World Photo Day (August 19th) ArchDaily wanted to thank the photographers who bring to life the projects that we publish every day. So we asked architects to weigh in on the work of some of our most-appreciated architecture photographers. Here, Felipe Assadi writes on behalf of Fernando Alda.

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The following news is presented by ArchDaily Materials, our new US product catalog.

The 2014 Wienerberger Brick Award Winners exemplify brick's potential in contemporary architecture, transforming the common brick into something spectacular. This year's jury featured 2012 Pritzer winner Wang Shu, who commented on the "spatial and secret" feeling of the Grand Prize Winning Kantana Film and Animation Institute. See all seven winners after the break.

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