"During the part three decades, Portuguese architect Eduardo
Souta de Moura has produced a body of work that is of our
Orne but also carnes echoes of architectural traditions. His
oeuvre is convincing proof of modern idiom's expressive
potential and adaptability to distinct local situations. Always
mindful of context, understood in the broadest sense, and
grounded in place, time, and function, Souto de Moura's
architecture reinforces a sense of history while expanding the
range of contemporary expression... Eduardo Souto de
Moura's architecture is not obvious, frivolous, or picturesque.
It is imbued with intelligence and seriousness. His work
requires an intense encounter not a quick glance. And like
poetry, it is able to communicate emotionally to those who
take the time to listen. His buildings have a unique ability to
convey seemingly conflicting characteristics - power and
modesty, bravado and subtlety, bold public authority and
sense of intimacy - at the same time. For architecture that
appears effortless, serene, and simple, and for the care and
poetry that permeates Bach project, Eduardo Souta de Moura
receives the 2011 Pritzker Architecture Prize."
Citation from the Jury
