Álvaro Siza Vieira to Receive Golden Lion

Álvaro Siza Vieira will receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement of the 13th International Architecture Exhibition, la Biennale di Venezia, on Wednesday August 29, 2012. Common Ground  is the theme for this year's exhibition, which will be held in Venice's Giardini and Arsenale from August 29 to November 25, under Director David Chipperfield. Siza's award comes from Chipperfield and the Board of la Biennale di Venezia, chaired by Paolo Baratta. In a statement they have said, "Siza has upheld a consistent production of works at the highest level, yet without the slightest hint of the overt professionalism and promotion that has become part of the contemporary architect’s machinery."  jh