Álvaro Siza Vieira

Recipient of A lifetime Achievement Award for Consistent Presence within the Profession

The eminent Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira has been chosen to be the recipient of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement of the 13th International Architecture Exhibition – Common Ground (Venice, Giardini and Arsenale, August 29th – November 25th, 2012). The decision was made by the Board of la Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale), chaired by Paolo Baratta, under Director David Chipperfield.

Álvaro Siza Vieira is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Science; “Honorary Fellow” of the Royal Institute of British Architects; AIA/American Institute of Architects; Académie d’Architecture de France and European Academy of Sciences and Arts; Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts; IAA/International Academy of Architecture; American Academy of Arts and Letters.

He has won many different awards and has been decorated with many Medals and awards from various European and International universities.

Álvaro Joaquim Melo Siza Vieira was born in Matosinhos (near Porto), in 1933. From 1949-55 he studied at the School of Architecture, University of Porto.

Among his landmark projects are the Boa Nova Tea House and Restaurant; 1200 dwellings built in Malagueira, Évora; the Pavilion of Portugal for EXPO ‘98 and the Pavilion of Portugal in Hannover 2000 (with Souto de Moura); and he has rebuilt the burnt area of Chiado in Lisbon since 1988, including the projects for some buildings like Castro e Melo, Grandella, Chiado Stores, and others.

He has participated in several lectures and conferences worldwide.

He has won many International competitions ie. the first place in Schlesisches Tor, Kreuzberg, Berlin (now built).