Architects Søren Vadstrup and Arne Høi win Europa Nostra Denmark Award 2014

The architects Søren Vadstrup and Arne Høi, the former and current directors of the Centre for Building Conservation, were conferred the Europa Nostra Denmark Award 2014 in acknowledgment of their substantial and significant contributions to the development of historic building restorations and their context within the built environment. The prize was presented by Europa Nostra’s former President HRH the Prince Henrik of Denmark, on 26 June, on-board the Royal Yacht Dannebrog in the Amaliehaven of Copenhagen. The two winners thanked Europa Nostra Denmark for this “prestigious award”. HRH the Prince Joachim of Denmark attended the ceremony.

Raadvad – The Nordic Centre for the Preservation of Traditional Craftsmanship – recently renamed Centre for Building Conservation – has, since its establishment in 1989, been the main actor and unifying organisation in the field of building restoration. It has significantly contributed to the development of historic building restorations and their context within the built environment. The Centre has had two leaders over the past 25 years. The first leader from 1989 to 2002 was Søren Vadstrup and from 2002 to today is Arne Høi. Both men have shown great passion for the field as well as a high-level of professional expertise, the ability to collaborate and to communicate, all of which are factors of great value for the professional historic building preservation community.

“Over a long period of time, Europa Nostra Denmark has observed the effect of Vadstrup’s and Høi’s contributions to the field of Danish historic restoration both in terms of building rehabilitation and urbanism. These two men have influenced and are still influencing academics, craftsmen, architects and other professionals working on the preservation of Danish cultural heritage. It is with great pleasure that I confer both of you this special award. Your commitment and work in the field of restoration have made a great contribution to historic conservation throughout Denmark,” stated HRH the Prince Henrik of Denmark during the award ceremony.

HRH the Prince Consort of Denmark is former president of Europa Nostra and continues his commitment to the cause of cultural heritage through the Europa Nostra Denmark Award, which is given annually to an individual or organisation to celebrate an outstanding contribution to cultural heritage in Denmark and beyond. The award, which was established in 2008, is a very important part of Europa Nostra Denmark’s work to place heritage and its benefits in the mainstream of public consciousness and to make heritage a higher priority for public policy both at European and national levels.