Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha, renowned for designing bold, open structures that blend with their surroundings, was named the winner of the 2006 Pritzker Architecture Prize on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Mendes da Rocha, 78, is the second Brazilian architect to receive the prestigious award, which is sponsored by the family that developed the Hyatt Hotel chain. Oscar Niemeyer was honored in 1988.

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Other past winners include Frank Gehry of California, Rafael Moneo of Spain and Renzo Piano of Italy.

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