ČeštinaARCHITECTURA DANUBII is an award whose aim is to pay tribute to outstanding personalities of Slovak architecture. The award is intended for architects, urban planners and experts who, through their lifelong work, make a significant contribution to the development of architectural culture, public space, the protection of cultural heritage and the aesthetic quality of the Slovak Republic.
The award highlights the lasting contribution of personalities whose work goes beyond individual projects and becomes part of the country’s cultural memory. ARCHITECTURA DANUBII understands architecture as a supreme artistic expression of humanity and as a creative force that shapes cities, landscapes and society.
Mission of the Award
The mission of the ARCHITECTURA DANUBII Award is to honour lifelong achievement and the professional contribution of personalities whose work significantly contributes to the development of architecture, urban planning and the cultural environment of Slovakia. At the same time, the award presents architecture as an artistic, technical and social discipline that is essential for the quality of life and the character of public space.
An important aim of the award is to support the cultural and historical continuity of Slovak architecture and to present its development as part of Europe’s cultural heritage. The award emphasizes architecture as a public service to society – a creative activity that combines aesthetic values, professional knowledge and social responsibility.
ARCHITECTURA DANUBII also contributes to strengthening international awareness of the quality and uniqueness of Slovak architectural work and presents its important personalities at both European and global level.
Nominations
Nominations are submitted by committees composed of the chief architects of major Slovak cities, including Bratislava, Košice, Nitra, Banská Bystrica, Žilina, Prešov, Trenčín, Trnava and other cities. The nominations are consulted with professional associations, city architects and universities of architecture.
Each city nominates one outstanding personality who contributes to the development of architecture, urban planning or public space in the given region. The recommended laureate is subsequently submitted for approval to the mayor of the respective city, who formally presents the ARCHITECTURA DANUBII Award on behalf of the city.
Award Criteria
The award is presented to a personality who has made a significant contribution, particularly in recent decades, to the rescue, restoration, preservation and creative use of Slovakia’s tangible cultural heritage and who achieves results recognised both at home and abroad.
The evaluation focuses in particular on contributions in the following areas:
- rescue, restoration, preservation and creative use of cultural heritage,
- development of architectural and urban culture,
- professional, scientific, publishing and educational activities,
- leadership of architectural studios, restoration workshops or expert teams,
- protection and cultivation of public space and the cultural environment.
The evaluation primarily considers achievements in the fields of architecture and urban planning, heritage restoration and conservation, construction and craftsmanship, scientific and publishing activities, as well as long-term contributions to the development and protection of the cultural environment.
Organizer and Cooperation
The organizer of the ARCHITECTURA DANUBII Award is the International Festival of Architecture and Urbanism Architecture Week Prague. Nominations are submitted by Slovak cities. International cooperation takes place in cooperation with UIA and UNESCO.