Speech delivered by the President of the Republic at the Award Ceremony of the 2006 SECIL Prize for Architecture
Prof. Simões dos Santos Auditorium – University Campus, March 30, 2007
Honourable Minister of Public Works, Transport and Communications
Honourable President of the Guild of Engineers
Honourable President of the Guild of Architects
Honourable President of SECIL
Honourable Prize Winners
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is the second time, this week, that I take part in a ceremony to award prizes sponsored by Portuguese enterprises with the aim to encourage quality, discovery and innovation and, through this action, contribute towards the improvement of the society to which they belong. Firstly in the area of medicine, now in that of architecture and engineering. It is a modern view of entrepreneurial activity which is to be congratulated.
First of all, today, I wish to congratulate the young university students who received prizes for their work. It is encouraging to confirm that our universities harbour dreams, and that such dreams become ideas and that these ideas result in works brimming with quality.
The participation of young university students in the SECIL prize reveals an excellent relationship between the academic world and professional life, allowing students to test their capacities and potential and to understand their true adaptability to market demand and professional activity.
In associating with the SECIL Prize, The Guild of Architects and the Guild of Engineers consecrate the relevance of an entrepreneurial initiative which attracts both young university students and greater names in architecture and engineering, motivating and promoting the public recognition of authors and works which enrich Portuguese architecture and engineering. Investing in talent and creativity, and knowing how to materialize and recognize these qualities, is essential for the Country’s progress.
The 2006 Secil Prize for Architecture, awarded today to Architect Álvaro Siza Vieira for his project for a Sports Complex in Catalonia, is an incentive to creativity and quality. Winning this prize for the third time, Architect Siza Vieira shows, once more, why he has become such a revered name both in Portuguese and Worldwide architecture.
His vast work has been the target of great recognition both in our country and abroad, and he is part of a group which is responsible for the notable international reputation enjoyed by Portuguese architecture. He is equally the live proof of the capability to compete and win when talent, creativity, skill and hard work are required. I thus congratulate Architect Siza Vieira for this further prize which he has so justly been awarded.
I equally congratulate SECIL, the Guild of Architects and the Guild of Engineers for this initiative which, for the last 14 years has been contributing to highlight the creative and technical capabilities of the Portuguese in an area of great relevance for the Country’s image, by rewarding the merit of those who stand out amongst their peers.
Congratulations to the prize-winners.
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