Zumthor wins Pritzker, 'Nobel of Architecture'

Zumthor, 65, will receive his honor, often described as the "Nobel of Architecture," at a ceremony in Buenos Aires on May 29, where he will be presented with a bronze medallion and a 100,000-dollar grant.

Thomas J. Pritzker, chairman of the Los Angeles-based Hyatt Foundation which oversees the award, said in a statement Zumthor was chosen in recognition of work that was "focused, uncompromising and exceptionally determined."

"All of Peter Zumthor's buildings have a strong, timeless presence," Pritzker said. "He has a rare talent of combining clear and rigorous thought with a truly poetic dimension, resulting in works that never cease to inspire."

Although most of Zumthor's works are found in Switzerland, the architect has designed projects in Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, England, Spain, Norway, Finland and the United States.