24/04/2001 (Agence Europe) - On 23 April in Barcelona, the Culture Commissioner, Viviane Reding, awarded the European Union prize for culture or Mies van der Rohe Award" to Rafael Moneo, for the conception and realisation of the "Kursaal centre" in San Sebastian (Spain). It also awarded a special mention to Florian Nagler for the "Kaufmann Holz Centre AG" in Bobinger (Germany). This Mies van der Rohe prize and special mention have been created in the framework of the "Culture 2000" programme. The organisation is ensured by the Mies van der Rohe Foundation (Barcelona), whose action consists of raising the awareness of the political and administrative authorities and the general public to the cultural meaning of contemporary architecture, its impact on the development of European cities and also to encourage contemporary creation.