This week, architecture’s most prestigious award went to British designer David Chipperfield, who made significant contributions to St. Louis with the modern wing of the St. Louis Art Museum.
When the museum’s East Building opened ten years ago, Chipperfield was in St. Louis from London discussing his work. It seems a bit old-fashioned in museum design today that an architect should care about how art looks. But I’m a little behind the times. ”
On Tuesday, the Pritzker Architecture Prize committee announced that Chipperfield, now 69, is the new winner. The judge said: Such an approach explains why talented architects can sometimes all but disappear. ”
People are also reading…
The New York Times said, “Chipperfield is known for blending elegant, modern spaces with historic architecture,” stating that St. Louis “designed by Cass Gilbert for the 1904 World’s Fair.” A sophisticated concrete and glass building equivalent to the Beaux-Arts Museum.
A major part of the $160 million project, the East Building added 210,000 square feet, 21 galleries, 300 spaces of underground parking and a restaurant to the museum.
When it debuted, the museum was able to show off its archived artwork as well as a new installation of outdoor stone arches by Andy Goldsworthy.
Chipperfield is the 52nd winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, founded in 1979 by the late Jay A. Pritzker and his wife Cindy. The winner will receive a $100,000 grant and his bronze medallion.
According to the Associated Press, organizers called out Chipperfield’s work — more than 100 projects over 40 years, ranging from cultural, civic and academic buildings to urban planning and housing — and Berlin’s famous Museum Island. Including recent additions to the complex – “subtle yet powerful, understated yet elegant.”
