Vittorio Gregotti

The inaugural Lisbon Triennale Millennium bcp Achievement Award was presented to Vittorio Gregotti, an influential figure in promoting architectural culture. As a pioneer in expanding architectural discourse beyond the profession's confines, Gregotti served as the director of the esteemed Italian magazine Casabella (1982-1996) among others.

In 1974, he founded Gregotti Associati International, which produced significant projects such as the Bicocca district development plan in Milan (1985-2005), the Belém Cultural Centre in Lisbon (1988-1993, in collaboration with Manuel Salgado), the Marassi Stadium in Genoa, the Teatro degli Arcimboldi in Milan (2001), and the Lyric Theatre in Aix-en-Provence (2003-2007). Gregotti’s innovative aesthetic and broad vision resulted in buildings that harmonised with their surroundings and drew inspiration from their context.

He also founded the Venice Architecture Biennale in 1980, profoundly impacting global architectural discourse at one of the world's most prestigious festivals. Beyond his architectural practice, Gregotti authored thirty books, contributed articles, and led prominent magazines. He taught at the University Institute of Architecture in Venice, as well as architecture schools in Milan, Palermo, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Lausanne, Harvard, Princeton, Cambridge (UK), and MIT.

Regarding the CCB project, Gregotti stated it was "one of my best projects and the one I love the most." Manuel Salgado reflected on their collaboration as an "unforgettable lesson," emphasising, "Working with Gregotti is learning architecture. He teaches you not only how to create but also how to understand and engage with the city."

José Mateus, chairman of the Triennale, highlighted Gregotti's enduring inspiration, noting, "He has always been and will always be a beacon of passion and dedication to architecture. Through his remarkable work, he has profoundly influenced architectural thinking and played a crucial role in elevating the awareness of Portuguese architecture. We owe him immense gratitude."

The Award

The prize awarded to Gregotti was a piece of art created by Pedro Cabrita Reis. This Portuguese artist has explored a bold anthropological vision in painting, sculpture, photography, drawing and installations made from industrial materials, finds and manufactured objects. Taking his vision around the world, Cabrita Reis represented Portugal at the Venice Biennale 2003, where he returned in 2013 and 2022. He also took part in the X Biennale of Lyon, and presented Les Trois Grâces at the Tuileries, commissioned by the Louvre Museum in 2022, among other international exhibitions. 

Juri

In 2007, the first Lisbon Triennale Millennium bcp Achievement Award was awarded through direct nomination of architect Álvaro Siza.