Herman Hertzberger to receive 2012 Royal Gold Medal for architecture

Dutch architect Herman Hertzberger is to receive one of the world’s most prestigious architecture prizes, the Royal Gold Medal.

The award was founded by the RIBA in 1848 and is given to a person or group of people whose influence on architecture is deemed to have had a truly international effect.

Hertzberger opened his own firm of architects in 1960, the present-day Architectuurstudio HH in Amsterdam. One of his major influences on twentieth century architecture was to challenge the early modernist belief that ‘form follows function’ – that the shape of the building was defined by its purpose.

RIBA president Angela Brady, who chaired the honours committee that selected the 2012 Royal Gold Medal winner, said:

“Herman Hertzberger has transformed the way we think about architecture, both as architects and people who use buildings. His architecture is about form and space, which he defines as ‘place which has not been appropriated’.

“Throughout his career his humanity has shone through in his schools, homes, theatres and workplaces. The RIBA is delighted to recognize the importance of his achievements and the effect his designs have on people and place.”