Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has taken out ‘the highest architectural honour’ with the 2009 Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Although the majority of Zumthor’s projects are in Switzerland, his works stretch the globe – throughout Europe and the United States.

Upon hearing of his award Zumthor said: “Being awarded the Pritzker Prize is a wonderful recognition of the architectural work we have done in the last 20 years.

“That a body of work as small as ours is recognized in the professional world makes us feel proud and should give much hope to young professionals that if they strive for quality in their work it might become visible without any special promotion.”

Pritzker Prize jury chairman, The Lord Palumbo said: “Zumthor has a keen ability to create places that are much more than a single building. His architecture expresses respect for the primacy of the site, the legacy of a local culture and the invaluable lessons of architectural history.”

pritzkerprize.com