Raphael Moneo, the prominent Spanish architect, known for his contextual designs as well as a modernist style, is the first recipient of the Soane Medal for his contribution to architecture. Moneo will also be the first lecturer to take part in the Annual Soane Lecture. The Soane Medal is awarded to architects, writers, and artists who enrich the interaction between architecture and the environment.
National Museum of Roman Art © Flickr user pictfactory licensed under CC BY 2.0
“We are delighted to announce this new Soane Annual Lecture and Medal, and look forward to the significant voices and ideas it will bring to the museum,” Sir David Chipperfield, Trustee of Sir John Soane’s Museum said. “Our aim is to promote architectural culture, as Soane himself worked so tirelessly to do, and we hope it will become an important event in the London calendar.’
Bruce Boucher, Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum, added: ‘We are pleased to inaugurate the Soane Annual Lecture and Medal, and honored that Rafael Moneo will be the first recipient. His buildings, writings, and teaching have immeasurably enriched the field of architecture, and his lecture promises to be a significant contribution to the contemporary discussion.”
Moneo, fervent as he is to teaching and writing, takes interest in practicality in architecture that serves the community. The National Museum of Art in Merida, the extension to Prado Museum in Madrid, and the City Hall in Murcia are examples of his celebrated work.
Columbia University Northwest Corner Building / Rafael Moneo, Davis Brody Bond, and Moneo Brock Studio © Michael Moran Studio
Soane Medal’s History dates back to over 180 years when a replica of the medal was presented to Sir John Soane by ‘the Architects of England’, in recognition of his ‘essential services to Architecture’
Sir John Soane, who dedicated his house to the nation to be converted into a museum, had the notion that the place would inspire and encourage people from different backgrounds to contemplate the idea that architecture can change and shape the environment. Architecture is becoming increasingly important in the lives of people to face the challenges accompanying the 21st century. From strained infrastructure to housing shortages, and from congestion to uncoordinated development, the medal comes to link these modern issues to architecture.
Rafael Moneo © Massimilano Polles
The annual lecture, which is a recognition and an honor bestowed on the lecturer, will involve common issues and serve as a bridge between practice and theory. It is made to address everyone in the field of architecture. The event will take place on 1st November 2017 at The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, London from 19:00 to 20:15.