Glenn Murcutt  

Glenn Murcutt (1936 -) born in London (GB) is best known Australian architect. In Morobe, New Guinea, where he grew up he developed a preference for simplicity. His father brought him in contact with the work of the architect Mies van der Rohe and the philosophies of Thoreau. Both have a large influence on his work. In 1992 he was rewarded with the "Alvar Aalto Medal (Finnish architectural distinction) and in 2002 the Pritzker Prize (also known as the Nobel Prize for architecture) for his oeuvre. Murcutt also got the AiA 2009 Gold Medal for the depth of his work and the breadth of his influence, which echoes well beyond Australia, his place of practice. The sole practitioner is noted for his ecologically responsive and socially responsible Modernist suburban and rural homes. He takes inspiration from Mies van der Rohe’s strict geometries, Alvar Aalto’s naturalistic Modernist revisions, and the vernacular forms of his homeland and channels this design aesthetic into economical buildings that work in concert with and respond to the land, yet provide living environments that are expertly sheltered from the climate and topology of their sites .

 “Recently our architectural field experienced an ‘ecological boom,’” writes 2005 AIA Gold Medalist Tadao Ando, Hon. AIA, in a letter of support for Murcutt’s nomination. “However, without relation to such a trend of time, Glenn Murcutt has always been focusing on the geographical and regional conditions, from the very beginning of his career.  

Glenn Murcutt also got distinctions such as the ao Raia Gold Medal, the Richard Neutra Award, the "Green Pin International Award for Architecture and Ecology"  

Murcutt studied architecture at the University of New South Wales and worked five years at an architectural firm before he started his sole-man office in 1970. Initially Murcutt had a Miesian style of design, but soon as his work was more regional in nature. “Richard Leplastrier was the catalyst for this” Murcutt said. Characteristic of his work is the careful pragmatic way that the subtle and powerful design embodies. Such care will ensure that functionality and experience go hand in hand. It is the respect and love for the landscape, which should always be an important factor in the design of the building. "His architecture speaks the language of the country"  

Murcutt works as a "solo-architect" and designs primarily residential and institutional buildings. Although he did not work outside Australia, or has a large desk, his is work of great influence worldwide. Murcutt offers unparalleled individual attention and quality to its clients, who are prepared to be on a waiting list for several years. He is an innovative architectural technician that frankly reveals his love for the landscape and environment and shows a commitment to make clear and honest architecture. Architecture for people. His architecture fits the landscape and suits people    

Some typical quotes from Glenn Murcutt are:  

"Touch the earth lightly."

"Life is not about maximizing everything, it's about giving something     back - like light, space, form, serenity, joy. You have to give something back."    

 

Want to know more about Glenn Murcutt or his work:

Internet

In the mind of the architect Glenn Murcutt

The Pritzkerprice (incl foto’s van gebouwen)

Force of Naure by Lynn Becker

 

Books
"Glenn Murcutt - A Singular Architectural Practice", door Glenn Murcutt
"Touch This Earth Lightly" door Philip Drew