The Carlsberg Architectural Prize was established by Carlsberg Co. in Denmark to recognize architects who have contributed to the development of architecture all over the world. Mr. Tadao Ando,
a world-class architect from Osaka, was awarded the prize in May, 1992 as the first recipient.
Mr. Ando, with his deep interest in the internationalization of Osaka, donated all of the prize money (30 million yen) to the Osaka Prefectural Government, hoping that this money would help to foster cultural exchange activities between Osaka and other countries. OFIX received his donation through the prefectural government.
In accordance with the wish of Mr. Ando, OFIX established the "Osaka Invitational Program for Short Term Overseas Trainees in Architecture and Arts (Ando Program)" in memory of Tadao Ando winning the Carlsberg Architectural Prize. This program is designed to invite students and young professionals in the field of architecture and arts from countries and regions in Asia, with a view to fostering a better understanding of Japanese culture as well as contributing to the development of architecture and arts in their home countries.
Furthermore, Mr. Tadao Ando, after winning the Kyoto Prize in November 2002, generously donated another 10 million yen from his prize money to OFIX. Together with donations from companies and sponsors who support the objectives of the Ando Program, OFIX utilized his donations to further develop and improve the activities of the program. With this, we were able to invite a total 241 excellent students and young professionals aiming to become architects from 19 countries and regions to the program.