Lord Foster has been awarded the Gold Medal of La Fondation du Mérite Européen (the European Merit Foundation), which is bestowed on individuals in recognition of their services to Europe. The medal was presented by Jacques Santer, former Prime Minister of Luxembourg, during a ceremony at the Salle da Vinci of the Ordre des Architectes et des Ingenieus-Conseils (OAI) in Luxembourg City yesterday. Following the ceremony, Lord Foster gave a lecture on the future of architecture in Europe.

The practice is currently designing Royal-Hamilius, a mixed-use development in the heart of Luxembourg City. Designed to provide an appropriate setting for the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the project comprises a department store, offices, shops, apartments, and a variety of new social and civic spaces. The not-for-profit Foundation was established in Luxembourg in 1970 by Francois Visine and its current President is the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy, Mr Jean-Claude Juncker. Recognising those campaigning for an "existential and humanist" Europe, the Foundation has honoured many different individuals, including Heads of State, politicians, leading economists, scientists, journalists and campaigners. Over the last few years, it has also turned its attention towards prominent cultural figures who have made a significant contribution to furthering the construction of Europe.

The not-for-profit Foundation was established in Luxembourg in 1970 by Francois Visine and its current President is the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy, Mr Jean-Claude Juncker. Recognising those campaigning for an "existential and humanist" Europe, the Foundation has honoured many different individuals, including Heads of State, politicians, leading economists, scientists, journalists and campaigners. Over the last few years, it has also turned its attention towards prominent cultural figures who have made a significant contribution to furthering the construction of Europe.

For more information, please see:http://www.merite-europeen.eu/

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