Breaking news: US-born architect Neave Brown is to be awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Royal Gold Medal for 2018 for his contribution to social housing.
Described by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as “a pioneer of quality public housing”, Neave Brown is best known for the housing he designed during his time at Camden council in north London,
The most famous of which, the Alexandra Road estate near Swiss Cottage, features a dramatic terraced formation.
“All my work! I got it just by flying blind, I seem to have been flying all my life,” said Brown following the news he will receive the Royal Gold Medal.
“The Royal Gold Medal is entirely unexpected and overwhelming. It’s recognition of the significance of my architecture, its quality and its current urgent social relevance. Marvellous!”
Brown is the only living architect to have all of his projects in the UK heritage listed.
“Neave’s contribution to the development of modern British housing is profound, inspiring to architects, local authorities and those who have benefitted from living in one of his outstanding projects,” said RIBA president Ben Derbyshire.
“His pioneering ideas firmly placed the community at the heart of each of his developments, giving residents shared gardens, their own front door, innovative flexible living spaces and private outside space for every home.”
The Royal Gold Medal is presented annually in recognition of a significant contribution to the profession.
The 2017 medal was awarded to Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha, and in 2016 the prize went to British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. Awarded just before her unexpected death, she became the first woman to ever win the Royal Gold Medal in her own right.
Other past recipients include Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, British architect David Chipperfield, and Irish architects Sheila O’Donnell and John Tuomey.
Neave Brown will be presented with the 2018 Royal Gold Medal at a private ceremony at the RIBA on 2 October 2017.
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