Guthrie designer Nouvel wins Pritzker, highest architecture honor

Jean's window — Architect Jean Nouvel insisted on one thing - that the windows of the cantilever bridge be able to open. Artistic Director Joe Dowling argued against the idea, in light of Minnesota's mosquitoes, mayflies and long winters. But the architect had his way.
MPR Photo/Marianne Combs

French architect Jean Nouvel, who designed the new Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, has been awarded his profession's highest honor.

Nouvel is the 2008 winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. He joins such renowned architects as Frank Gehry and I.M. Pei.

Nouvel's design for the Guthrie Theater was singled out by the judges. The massive, boxy dark-blue structure opened along the Mississippi River in 2006, and was met with worldwide acclaim.

Guthrie at night — Eight photographs have been silkscreened onto stainless steel panels on the exterior walls. They are designed to stand out, especially at night, floating like ghosts as the building's dark blue walls fade in darkness.
Image courtesy of the Guthrie Theater

The 62-year-old Nouvel will receive a 100-thousand dollar grant and a bronze medallion. He tells the Associated Press that he has fought for specific architecture over generic architecture and that, quote, "Every project is an adventure."

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The Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis.
MPR Photo/Chris Roberts

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Guthrie designer Nouvel wins Pritzker, highest architecture honor

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