The Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion was the venue for the 4th Edition of the Itesal National Award for Novice Architecture, where distinguished professionals from the fields of architecture and construction gathered to celebrate innovation and sustainability in the industry. With Zaragoza’s mayor, Natalia Chueca, in attendance, the event highlighted emerging talent, awarding the first prize to the “Carbonal Interrotto” project, created by young architect Víctor Jorgensen. This project was selected as the best among a total of 27 entries, receiving a prize of 4,000 euros.
During the ceremony, Mayor Chueca emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable architecture, while Armando Mateos, the general director of Itesal, thanked all those who contributed to the realization of the awards since their first edition. Mateos pointed out the importance of recognizing projects that are not only viable but also align with the high values that underpin the competition.
In addition to the main prize, two projects were honored with “Special Mentions for Sustainable Built Architecture”: the renovation and expansion of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at the University of Zaragoza, and the Skyline Building in Zaragoza’s Plaza Europa. Both projects feature high-performance aluminum carpentry from Itesal, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.
René Sanz, Itesal’s director of Institutional Relations, Circular Economy and Sustainability, praised the quality of the submitted works, highlighting the award’s mission to recognize innovative young architects. Meanwhile, Carlos Turégano, dean of the Official College of Surveyors and Technical Architects of Zaragoza, emphasized the importance of these incentives in promoting creativity and excellence in the architectural field.
The award ceremony took place after a presentation by the jury, which included renowned professionals such as Enrique Jerez, Ferrán Calzada, José María González, Manuel Enríquez, and Mónica Domínguez. Víctor Jorgensen, upon receiving the award, expressed his satisfaction and thanked Itesal for supporting young architects, highlighting the high quality of the competing proposals.
The second prize, worth 2,000 euros, was awarded to Marina Ponce for her project “La estructura del Habitar”. Additionally, three runner-up prizes of 500 euros each were awarded to Juan Gaitán, Carmen Povedano, and Álvaro Pozo for their respective works.
David Gómez, president of Itesal, closed the event by highlighting the creativity and quality of the projects, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to the promising future of architecture in Spain.
