Australian architect Richard Leplastrier has been awarded the Dreyer Foundation Prize of Honor 2009 for his understanding of the true meaning of sustainability.
Leplastrier is renowned for only using local resources in an endeavor to minimize the impact on the environment. His favorite material is wood — preferably recycled and veneer — and, in principle, many of his designs can be taken apart and used again.
Architect and Dreyer Foundation board member Lene Tranberg described Leplastrier’s architecture as an “ode to nature”.
“The legacies of Jorn Utzon, Kenzo Tange, and the classic Japanese building tradition are continued in the most beautiful way — creating human experiences of exceptional elegance and simplicity,” Tranberg said, when explaining the reasons for awarding the prize to Leplastrier. “Within the realm of architecture, he has imbued the term ‘sustainability’ with a deeper meaning through the ideas expressed in [his motto] ‘Let‘s cultivate less!’”
Born in Melbourne, Leplastrier studied architecture at the University of Sydney. From 1964 to 1966, he worked closely with Jorn Utzon on the Sydney Opera House. After working at Utzon’s studio, he spent 18 months in Kyoto, where he studied traditional Japanese architecture with Professor Masuda Tomoya and worked at Professor Kenzo Tange’s studio while studying. In 1970 he returned to Australia and opened his own studio in Sydney called LAM Architects. He teaches master classes for beginning and established architects with Glen Murcutt and Peter Stutchbury.
