Niemeyer’s payback is architectural delight

If giving is better than receiving as the biblical adage suggests, then Oscar Niemeyer may be richly rewarded for his latest work.

The Brazilian architect designed the International Cultural Centre for the northern Spanish city of Aviles as a thank you for the Prince of Asturias award he won back in 1989.

“The idea was to do something different that charaterises construction and to do something surprising,” said Niemeyer, who celebrated his 103rd birthday on Wednedsay.

It is not completly finished yet but the doors have been opened to the public, or at least delegates attending the United Nations Academic Impact Programme, the first conference to take place in the building.

Our correspondent in Aviles, Pedro Rodriguez, says there is great excitement throughout the region as many hope the centre will help build a new future for the industrial city.

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