Paulo Mendes da Rocha sadly passed away, aged 92, on 23 May 2021. The RIBA recognised his significant contribution to the advancement of architecture through awarding him the 2017 Royal Gold Medal.
Find out more about Paulo’s lifetime of achievements and contribution to society through the videos below.
Given in recognition of a lifetime’s work, the Royal Gold Medal is approved personally by the Monarch and is given to a person or group of people who have had a significant influence 'either directly or indirectly on the advancement of architecture'.
Awarded since 1848, past Royal Gold Medallists include Zaha Hadid (2016), Frank Gehry (2000), Norman Foster (1983), Frank Lloyd Wright (1941) and Sir George Gilbert Scott (1859); Oscar Niemeyer (1998) is the only other Brazilian architect to have received the honour.
