From one Pritzker Prize-winner to another: the 2022 recipient, Francis Kéré, has been recognised with the first Murcutt Pin, awarded by Australia’s only recipient. Part of the very first Murcutt Symposium, the Pin has been newly designed by Glenn and recognises an architect working with communities to deliver positive, practical change. Kéré will also present the inaugural Murcutt Oration.

Murcutt has deliberately created the Pin as something to be worn like a lapel pin, rather than a medal hung from the neck. He explains how the concept relates to his whole oeuvre and design philosophy: “The act of slicing the cone – the rational – reveals the shape of what the cone really is – the poetic. It is about revealing the inevitable. When things have a place, and things have a feeling of inevitability about a solution, then we are at the beginning of finding serenity; a quietness, a peace, a calm.”

In terms of materiality, the white gold is a nod to his father’s gold prospecting past in Papua New Guinea. The Pin was fabricated by Adelaide’s famed Jam Factory. Ultimately, it symbolises the synthesis of nature, materials and craft.

On receiving the award, Francis Kéré says: “When I first saw a photo of Glenn’s Marika Alderton House, with two Aboriginal children sitting on the porch, I was really moved. The simplicity, the openness, the comfort it created, it stayed with me. What struck me most was how architecture could feel so gentle and human, shaping a space that nurtures people.

“Later, when I met Glenn in person, I felt that we were connected in spirit, even though we come from very different places. His work shows that thoughtful architecture can honour culture, place and the environment all at once. Glenn is not only one of the greatest architects and a role model for me, but he is also a very special human being. To receive the Murcutt Pin as the very first recipient is an incredible honour, and it strengthens my commitment to continue along my path.”

Speakers at the Symposium include five recipients of the Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal for architecture, including Peter Stutchbury, Brit Andresen, Lindsay and Kerry Clare. Documentary filmmaker Catherine Hunter will share footage from almost 30 years following the life and work of Glenn Murcutt, while the event as a whole is being held in partnership with the State Library of NSW to mark its ‘Year of Architecture’.

“I have a huge amount of respect and time and a wonderful friendship with this man because of his integrity,” says Murcutt of his relationship with Kéré. “I want Francis to share his own incredible connection with people; his connection with his land, his culture and his built culture. When I was on the Pritzker Prize jury, he gave one of the most arresting lectures I have ever heard. He enacted the process of construction; showing how they mixed and lifted the mud; how they poured the mud and tampered it down. It was the most beautiful presentation.”

Read more about the Symposium, including the visit of British architect Dr Piers Taylor, here.

Glenn Murcutt Architecture Foundation
murcuttfoundation.org

Kéré Architecture
kerearchitecture.com

Next up: Unbuilt Works, a book on Glenn Murcutt