VIA ARQUITECTURA PRIZES COACV 2003-2004 -1576719107

描述

The 13th COACV Architecture Prizes 2003-2004 are a necessary reference point for the best architecture in the Valencian Community over the two years in question. Congratulations to the prize-winners and to all those who merited a mention in each of the sections of these Prizes. We are obviously capable of producing an abundance of good architecture and the average level is steadily rising, as shown by the long list of selected and prize-winning works that, as the jury has noted, are of high quality and correctness.
The purpose of these Prizes is not only to recognise the excellent work being done by our prize-winning colleagues but also to publicise much of the architecture, town planning, interior and exterior design, as well as degree course final projects, publications or research papers and PhD theses, which are being produced in this region.
The College of Architects wants to promote all these examples of good architecture, in the widest sense of the word, and above all, believes that it should do this within our own region, the Valencian Community. It is here that we must insist on the need to hold open competitions to commission projects and plans, particularly when these are public works, and demand assurances that there will always be a professional, independent jury to ensure the openness and fairness of the ensuing decisions, which are all too often called into question.
Unfortunately, the ability, capability and professionalism of local architects are not always recognised. The influence of the media often means that so-called ‘star architects’ get the lion’s share of the most interesting projects in our towns and cities.
We believe that those responsible for both public and private developments need to be capable of valuing architectural quality over and above other criteria or interests. Achieving this is a challenge that we are taking on, not in order to defend our own corporate interests but to benefit society, the end user of all that is done.
We know that if we pursue this course, its pedagogical effects will be noted in a greater feeling for architecture and that this will raise the general level of quality demanded.
As I have already mentioned, we want the works and projects selected to reach a wide audience and publishing this number of ViA Arquitectura is one of the main means of achieving this purpose. We hope that this magazine will help to win them recognition and appreciation in an increasingly difficult, competitive and global market.
We would like to thank everyone who took part for their contribution to this mission, to the benefit of everyone and, particularly, to culture and architectural sensitivity. Congratulations, once again, to the prize-winners.