Nobel prize's new home revealed

By Anila Bangash
Justice Correspondent, SAM Daily Times

Simulation of Nobel building in Stockholm, Sweden

The idea which has been discussed ever since the awards were first handed out in Stockholm in 1901 can be seen coming true today.The 114 year old Nobel Prize is getting a home for the first time in history.

The Nobel Foundation has announced David Chipperfield Architects in Berlin the winner of architecture competition. His design covering an area of 25,000 sq. metre will house a library, several conference rooms and educational space for school visits. After the inauguration expected in 2018, all the future Nobel Prize ceremonies other activities will be held in this building.


Two-thirds of the project's £110m budget is already secured by private donations.

The building will be constructed in a historic district, surrounded by water and near some of the city's main museums and landmarks. A bronze, stone and glass facade will attempt to reflect some of the Nobel aspirations, according to the winning architects.

It will gather all the foundation's activities, which are currently scattered around the city, except the Nobel banquet, which will remain in the city hall.The Nobel prize ceremony, traditionally held on 10 December at the Stockholm Concert Hall, will move to the new venue, as well as the Nobel museum and the Nobel Foundation offices.



"It has a certain classical simplicity and solidity," British architect David Chipperfield said. "It tries to find a balance between being solid on the one hand and transparent on the other."