Paulo Mendes da Rocha

Paulo Mendes da Rocha of Sao Paulo (Brazil), inspired by the principles and language of modernism, as well as by his bold use of simple materials, has over the past six decades constructed buildings with a profound understanding of the poetics of space. He modifies landscape and space with its architecture, striving to satisfy human needs both socially and aesthetically.

Whether individual homes or flats, churches, sports stadiums, art museums, kindergartens, furniture exhibitions or public squares, Mendes da Rocha has dedicated his career to creating architecture guided by a sense of responsibility towards the inhabitants of his projects, as well as towards society at large.

With a social vision in keeping with the new world, he reminds us that architecture is first and foremost a human work inspired by the omnipresence of nature. The vast territory of his country has given this architect a rich lineage for harnessing and reconciling nature and architecture as congruent forces.

His distinctive concrete materials and intelligent, yet remarkably simple construction methods create imposing and expressive buildings that are internationally recognised. There is no doubt that the raw materials he uses to achieve monumental results have influenced the world.

He has also demonstrated his mastery of restoration and renovation, reaffirming his understanding and respect for his country's legacy and his own belief in the relevance of the architecture of our time. Mendes da Rocha looks at history in relation to the future. He has dedicated himself to finding a synthesis of design and form that is as beautiful as it is technically perfect.

In his own words, his definition of architecture is "...the transformation of nature, a total fusion of science, art and technology into a sublime statement of human dignity and intelligence through the settlements we build for ourselves..."

All these qualities and achievements have made him worthy of the 2006 Pritzker Architecture Prize.