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Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Prijs www.cultuurfonds.nl

Architect Francine Houben

By 30-11-2015

This year, the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Prijs is awarded to architect Francine Houben. According to the Board of Advisors of the fund, she receives the oeuvre prize to the value of 150,000 Euros for her “decades-long track record as internationally leading architect.”

The 59-year-old architect from Sittard is the founder of the Delft architectural firm Mecanoo. Houben oversaw the design of the newly opened station concourse and the library of the Technical University in Delft. Apart from this, she is also responsible for residential tower Montevideo in Rotterdam and the Openluchtmuseum (Open Air Museum) in Arnhem. Mecanoo also designs the renovation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington DC.

“Her buildings are characterized by a combination of aesthetics, friendliness and hospitality. They are recognized worldwide as examples of an architecture in which people are the key issue and which is in line with the local culture.”

The oeuvre award is awarded annually to people or institutions who/which have distinguished themselves in an exceptional manner in the field of culture or nature in the Netherlands. Houben receives the award on 30 November from Queen Maxima.

www.mecanoo.nl

Photos: Mecanoo, Harry Cock, Christian Richter
Photo Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in New York: EPA / Jason Szenes