"Having a world-renowned architect like César Pelli as the third sole judge was another significant boost for the emerging Award.

◻️ César's stay was extremely pleasant and allowed me to realise how sharp he was. During a dinner, he told us a story about his friend, the British architect James Stirling. James lamented that halfway through the project he was building in Germany, the developer wanted to replace the bronze-framed windows with aluminium ones of a similar colour, which were much cheaper. According to him, this modification was a serious blow to the aesthetics of the building. César suggested that he should use a 'trick item'. Neither Stirling nor we knew what that meant. César patiently explained it to us:

-It's quite simple, every budget should include a 'trick item', a very expensive item that has little impact on the final result of the work. For example, the treatment of the lift shafts. Then, when the developer tries to modify the windows, you answer indignantly: 'This, we cannot accept! I'm willing to accept the substitution of the travertine cladding on the lift shafts, but under no circumstances can the windows be replaced.'

◻️ A lesson in 'porteño' cunning that I would never forget." Oscar Tusquets Blanca

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Jury Report for the Premio Década 2002 (Works completed in 1992)

"It was a great honour, and a pleasure, to serve as the jury for the Premio Década 1992-2002. After visits and reflections, the work that emerged as the clear winner is the Pergola Avinguda Icària by Enric Miralles and Carme Pinós. As the sole juror, this is inevitably a personal selection. The pergola by Enric Miralles and Carme Pinós touched my heart. It is a structure obviously designed with enthusiasm, emotion, and overflowing creativity. I felt it was born from Barcelona and expressed the genius of the city. More than any other work, I found this pergola deeply rooted in this fertile land, like a new plant in bloom. The only regret is not being able to present this award personally to Enric.

The work of visiting and considering the shortlisted projects for the Década Award was a pleasure due to the variety and high quality of the submissions. It is truly impressive to see that, in Barcelona, in just one year—1992—so many works of great architectural, urban, and social value were constructed, including those by some of the world’s most renowned architects. I am referring to Gehry, Calatrava, and Foster, as well as Bofill and Miralles.

▪️ I was particularly impressed by the projects led by the Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, such as the Parc del Nus de la Trinitat, the Marbella Athletics Track, and certainly all the works of the Olympic Village. I hope you can continue this rich, appropriate, and excellent architectural production for many years to come."

César Pelli

Barcelona, 17 May 2002

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{Photography on the award ceremony by  Rafael Vargas}