It's been awarded to the Portuguese Álvaro Siza Vieira the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement of 13. International Architecture Exhibition - Common Ground (Venice, Giardini and Arsenale, 29 August to 25 November 2012). The decision was taken by the Board of the Biennale di Venezia, chaired by Paolo Baratta, upon the proposal of the Director David Chipperfield.

The exhibition Álvaro Siza 'Viagem sem Program', edited by Greta Ruffino and Raul Betti is organized by MedicinaMentis, Cultural Association of Venice, in collaboration with the Fondazione Querini Stampalia, and will deepen the more intimate side of Siza, a prominent figure in the landscape design international, linking the architectural profession with a personal vision of existence.