Dear Yolande Valle-Neff, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office
Dear Alain Le Roy, Ambassador of France to Italy
Dear François Roux, President of AFEX
Dear Vincent Berjot, Director General of Heritage
Dear Catherine Jacquot, President of the National Council of the Order of Architects
Dear Guy Amsellem, President of the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine
Dear Christian of Portzamparc, Dear Paul Andreu
Dear friends,
I am very happy to be here with you today, in this superb place, the Palazzo Zorzi, which welcomes us with the AFEX, to celebrate the works that French architects have been able to bring to life beyond borders.
The wealth and diversity of architectural projects on this list are all signs of the vitality of French architectural writing.
I am particularly pleased to present the 2014 AFEX Grand Prize for French Architecture in the World to Christian de Portzamparc for the City of Arts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
I know that the gestation of this building was long and difficult, but the result is magnificent.
I also know that Christian de Portzamparc has a very personal and passionate relationship with Brazil, which has undoubtedly given him inspiration and support.
I am delighted with this wise choice because it rewards a talented architect whose architectural work demonstrates our know-how around the world and illustrates the excellence of our culture.
I would also like to salute the decision of the jury, which, in awarding Paul Andreu its first Special Prize for his work in China, chose to honour one of the most illustrious ambassadors of French architecture in this country, with whom you know that this year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations.
The AFEX Grand Prix did not yet exist when the Beijing Opera House, Shanghai Pudong Airport, the Oriental Art Center, among other major buildings, were built.
It is only fair that the Special Prize celebrates them today.
I am also pleased to present to their architects here this evening, the very deserved mentions that salute the particular quality of their projects.
Some of them have already been distinguished in previous editions of the Grand Prix, such as Marc Mimram, but also the agencies Arte-Charpentier, AS.Architecture-Studio, AW² and Jean-Paul Viguier.
I congratulate them for that.
Not to mention Kilo Architectures, Jean-Pierre Lott and Richez-Associés, very legitimately mentioned in the Palmares.
Beyond the designers of the projects on the list, it is the French architects who export the French know-how that I want to salute.
The works they produce abroad in often difficult conditions are stories, risks and chances that call into question all their qualities and all the strength of their convictions.
I would also like to commend the initiative of AFEX, whose ambition is to contribute to the national and international influence of French architecture.
This ambition finds a special impact today on the occasion of the presentation of this Grand Prix, it is also expressed through the many actions carried out by AFEX to help architects respond to calls for tenders abroad or to make our architects known beyond our borders.
You know my commitment to promoting young talent and I know that you are already inviting the winners of the Albums des jeunes architectes et paysagistes to join AFEX the year after their success is announced.
I propose that we further develop our partnership to their benefit and that as such we have a joint action in favour of them in the next international market of real estate professionals (MIPIM) in Cannes, where AFEX is already present for a long time, so that they can exchange with their elders and make themselves known to the builders.
They may in turn have the honour of receiving in a few years the AFEX Grand Prix that brings us together tonight.
I would also like to inform you that I have asked Mr Vincent Berjot, Director-General of Heritage, to reactivate COMITEX, the interdepartmental committee of architects for export, which many of you have deplored for its long sleep.
It will be necessary to specify an adapted strategy for the export of architects, bringing together the ministries concerned: economy (Ubifrance, Coface), ecology and sustainable development, equality of territories and housing, foreign affairs and international development, foreign trade and tourism, and the professionals concerned (national order of architects and AFEX).
Through its Grand Prix of French architecture in the world, AFEX offers us to better know and look at these buildings built so far from home but so close to our conception of architectural quality.
This Prize is an incentive to raise the values of our conception of architecture and the city, in a spirit of openness and intercultural dialogue.
My warmest thanks go, of course, to Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, who does us the honour of welcoming us to this beautiful Palazzo Zorzi for the presentation of the Prizes and hosting the Grand Prix exhibition for nearly six months. I also thank Ms Yolande Valle-Neff, Director of the UNESCO Venice Office.
After this Venetian stage, I hope that the exhibition can be seen by the widest possible audience.
In France, in Paris, at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine, where the exhibition will be presented from January 29 to March 2, 2015.
But also throughout the world, through the network of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, so that everyone can appreciate the quality and vitality of the work of French architects outside our borders.
Finally, I must once again thank François Roux, President of the AFEX and Madeleine Houbart Secretary General before inviting you to discover this beautiful exhibition.