This Thursday, the Rafael Manzano Prize from new traditional architecture to heritage preservation via the architect Juan Luis Camacho for the harmonization of its rehabilitation works and new constructions, particularly in Chinchón and its surroundings. This was explained by the Constructive and Traditional Cultures Foundation, organizer of the event which took place at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando.
The price, endowed with 50,000 euroswas delivered by Alphonse Murgageneral director of architecture and heritage conservation at Madrid City Hall. This award was born with the aim of recognizing the work of architects who preserve Spanish heritage and this year the award wants to reward Juan Luis Camacho “for his quiet and continuous work, with rehabilitation of historic buildings and with new constructions that seem to have always been there.
Camacho is also characterized by the use of respectful materials with the environment traditionally used in these municipalities. The architect thanked him for the award and emphasized that “now my main goal is to try to save the traditional architectures in which I intervene” and to find someone who “falls in love with them to re-inhabit them.”
He also stressed that “the current need for housing “It is an opportunity for the recovery of this emptied Spain and the restoration of many endangered architectural environments.” Among the interventions of the winners, the restoration of Mayor Square of Colmenar de Oreja and the rehabilitation of Villarejo de Salvanés Town Hall. Also in Chinchon He has contributed to the improvement of iconic buildings and new neighborhoods that preserve the city’s identity.
On the other hand, Carmen Anónwas recognized by the Richard H. Driehaus Medal for his extraordinary and extensive career in the protection, restoration and conservation of historic gardens the most emblematic of Spain, particularly in Madrid.
Among his interventions, many stand out that we enjoy today, such as: the gardens of the Casita del Príncipe de El Pardo, the Royal Botanical Garden, El Retiro, the Campo del Moro, the Zarzuela, the Moncloa gardens, the cloister and gardens. Descalzas Reales and the gardens of El Capricho.
“Carmen Añón’s legacy is immense,” underlines the Foundation. “His work not only enabled the recovery of spaces of great heritage value, but also succeeded in inspiring several generations of landscapers.” In addition, Añón is responsible for the inclusion of many Spanish properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List and, as Way of Saint Jamesor the first Spanish cultural landscape recorded as such, that of Aranjuez.
After receiving the award, Añón said that “she didn’t expect it” and that the one thing she has done all her life that she is most proud of is “being able to work on what I like, which is a gift in itself.” “In addition, I was happy to have the opportunity to convey my ideas and thoughts,” he added.
After the awards ceremony, in which a jury made up of 10 people (6 foreigners and 4 Spaniards) participated, a cocktail welcome accompanied by a small classical music concert who enhanced the evening for some 200 guests present at this event.
