Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia to accept Prince Claus Award

Vietnam’s renowned architect Vo Trong Nghia has won the prestigious 2016 Prince Claus Award, which honors visionary artists and organizations worldwide.
Nghia and five others will be presented with the awards at the Royal Palace Amsterdam by Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands on December 15, the Prince Claus Fund said Tuesday.
According to the Prince Claus Fund, Nghia, 40, is an architect who is putting sustainable architecture on the map by combining local materials and traditional skills with 21st century design.
“With a focus on green spaces, his designs range from major urban structures to durable but inexpensive housing for remote communities. His approach to urban design is shaping the future of architecture and transforming Vietnam’s urban landscape.”
“However, at the core of his practice, he uses the physical environment to reconnect humans back to Mother Nature,” it said in a statement.
Thai filmmaker and artist Apichatpong Weerasethakul has won the Principal Prince Claus Award.
Four other Prince Claus Awards will be presented to chef and food activist Kamal Mouzawak of Lebanon; interdisciplinary cultural center PeaceNiche in Pakistan; graphic designer, artist, educator and historian Bahia Shehab of Egypt/Lebanon; and the digital portal La Silla Vacía in Colombia.
For the past 20 years, the Prince Claus Fund has honored visionary artists and organizations for their excellent, pioneering work in culture and development.