Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) chair Fernando Zobel de Ayala was awarded the Andrea Palladio International Prize at this year’s Dedalo
Minosse, a unique architectural award that recognizes the role of the client in the design process.
Organized by ALA-Assoarchitetti, the Italian association for professional architects, Dedalo Minosse’s Andrea Palladio International Prize is given to an architect’s client who has distinguished himself through his work in the last 20 years.
It was awarded to Zobel de Ayala as part of the awards’ 20th anniversary celebration.
The awarding ceremony was held June 23, at Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, Italy, one of the three remaining Renaissance theaters in the world and a Unesco World Heritage site designed by the great Italian architect Andrea Palladio.
Zobel de Ayala was nominated for the award by William “Bill” Higgins of Architecture International Ltd, who has worked with him for 27 years.
Higgins is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and has worked on several ALI projects.
“Fernando has a sensitive eye for design, the compassion for a green environment, and a focus on the user-friendly nature of Ayala’s buildings, parks and townships,” Higgins said. “He has also initiated, fostered, and nurtured a keen sense of social and environmental responsibility within the company to develop projects at any scale that not only exhibit a high standard of design, but also give back to the Filipino people places that they enjoy as individuals and families.”
The criteria for judging include social sustainability, works inspired by “Design for All,” enhancement and conservation of the environment, the landscape and the architectural heritage, and the use of renewable energy and resources, among others.
“I thank Bill Higgins and the ALA-Assoarchitetti for this great honor. I share this recognition with my colleagues at Ayala Land who have the same vision of creating a better quality of life for Filipinos through our developments,” Zobel de Ayala said.
Zobel de Ayala added that Ayala Land is fortunate to work with exceptional architects “who have a deep understanding of our business and a strong commitment to nation-building.”
The award recognized ALI’s signature projects which reflect the company’s dedication to exceptional architecture, as well as projects that promote arts and culture, sustainability and social inclusion; among these are Ayala Tower One and Exchange Plaza, Ayala Museum in Makati, Bonifacio Global City Arts Center, Nuvali in Laguna and El Nido in Palawan.
“Careful planning and design are always integral to Ayala Land’s development process. We ensure that each of our projects has a positive impact on communities and the environment,” Zobel de Ayala said.