WASHINGTON—February 2, 2006—The American Architectural Foundation (AAF) has announced that it will present its 2006 Keystone Award to the philanthropic Pritzker Family of Chicago. This award, recognizing outstanding leadership in the field of architecture and design outside of the architectural profession, will be presented at the annual Accent on Architecture Gala on February 10, 2006.
Cindy Pritzker, who co-founded the Pritzker Architecture Prize with her late husband, Jay Pritzker, will accept the award on behalf of the Pritzker Family. Their eldest son, Thomas J. Pritzker, now heads The Hyatt Foundation which was established to administer the prize.
The field of architecture was chosen by the Pritzker family because of a keen interest in building originating with their development of Hyatt Hotels around the world. First awarded in 1979, the annual Pritzker Prize honors a living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of talent, vision, and commitment to design excellence. The procedures were modeled after the Nobel Prize, with the final selection being made by an international jury with all deliberations and voting in secret. Hundreds of nominees from various countries are considered each year.
AAF’s Keystone Award is presented annually to recognize individuals or organizations from outside the architecture and design field for their leadership in advancing design excellence. Past winners have included the Office of the Commissioner of the Public Building Service of the General Services Administration, Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago; and Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina.
“The Pritzker Family has long been known as a leading patron of architecture. Examples of their stewardship include the development of Chicago’s Hyatt Center and the revolutionary Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park, as well as their sponsorship of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. Through their leadership, they are demonstrating the power of architectural excellence to change lives and transform communities,” said Norbert Young, FAIA, Chair of the AAF Board of Regents.
The Accent on Architecture Gala is the nation’s preeminent celebration of the power of architecture to improve lives and transform communities. It is presented each year by the American Architectural Foundation in partnership with the American Institute of Architects. This year's event will feature the presentation of the AAF Keystone Award and the AIA Gold Medal, Twenty-five Year Award, and Architecture Firm Award. AAF will also report on the significant advances in the development and implementation of its national initiatives supported in part by the proceeds from the 2005 Gala.
Approximately 1000 guests will attend the black-tie Accent on Architecture Gala, to be held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., at 6:30 p.m. on February 10, 2006.
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The American Architectural Foundation (AAF) is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that educates individuals and communities about the power of architecture to transform lives and improve the places where we live, learn, work, and play. AAF’s programs include: The Mayors’ Institute on City Design and Great Schools by Design – highly regarded initiatives that help improve the built environment through the collaboration of thought leaders, designers, and local communities. Through its outreach programs, grants, exhibitions, and educational resources, the American Architectural Foundation helps people become thoughtful and engaged stewards of the world around them. For more information, please visit www.archfoundation.org
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