Press Release

Wolf D. Prix receives Austrian Decoration of Honor for Science and Art

(Vienna, May 20, 2009) Wolf D. Prix, Design Principal of COOP HIMMELB(L)AU received the Austrian Decoration of Honor for Science and Art on May 19. The Federal President Dr. Heinz Fischer awarded Mr. Prix with the highest honor of the Republic of within a ceremonial act at Hofburg Vienna.

According to the bylaws the Austrian Decoration of Honor for Science and Art (Österreichisches Ehrenzeichen für Wissenschaft und Kunst) is given to „persons from the interior or abroad who have received general recognition and a preeminent reputation due to outstanding creative achievements in the fields of Sciences or Arts”. The number of the laureates is limited to 36 Austrians and 36 foreign nationals. They form two curiae, one for Sciences and one for the Arts. The decisive criterion for entering the curiae is an outstanding scientific or artistic attainment in the particular field.

In his acceptance speech Wolf D. Prix said: „For me the granting of the Decoration of Honour for Science and Art – as the name implies – means a high honor to me and plaudit for my work. I am honestly delighted and proud of the award as ‘forever young’ doesn’t apply to the person, so for me, but should be valid for the architecture I am standing for.”

COOP HIMMELB(L)AU is headquartered in Vienna and has a second office in Los Angeles as well as several project offices in Frankfurt/Germany, Paris/, Akron/USA, Mexico City/Mexico and Hongkong/China. Currently under construction are the Musée des Confluences in Lyon, France (2013), Busan Cinema Center in Busan, South Korea (2011), the European Central Bank in Frankfurt/ Main, Germany (2014) and the Dalian International Conference Center, China (2010). Additional projects in planning are Cloud Roof in Riva del Garda, (2012), House of Music in Aalborg, Denmark, Cultural Center Zarautz, (2012) and Museum of Contemporary Art & Exhibition Planning in Shenzhen, China (2010). The exhibition "COOP HIMMELB(L)AU.Beyond the Blue" at the Wexner Center for the Arts, Columbus, Ohio, USA is running from April 2 until July 26, 2009 (www.wexarts.org). Among latest book publications are “Dynamic Forces” on the project BMW Welt in Munich and the exhibition catalogue “COOP HIMMELB(L)AU. Beyond the Blue”. For more information contact [email protected]/ www.coop-himmelblau.at

1 / 1