**The Selection Follows a Competition Among Eight Top International Architectural Firms**
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Morphosis Architects has been chosen as the winning firm to design a new luxury hotel for 7132 Ltd in Vals, Switzerland. Eight of the world's leading architectural practices contended for the opportunity to design the hotel as part of a select international competition launched by 7132 Ltd last June. The competition was undertaken in accordance with SIA standards; presided by Louisa Hutton of the architectural practice Sauerbruch Hutton of Berlin, a competition jury met to determine a shortlist of leading proposals. Three finalists including Morphosis (Los Angeles), Steven Holl Architects (New York) and 6a Architects (London) were recommended by the jury to the client. Ultimately, 7132 Ltd favored Morphosis for the opportunity.
The proposed design by Morphosis features 100 luxury suites highlighting the world-class alpine locale. Details of the winning scheme will be unveiled at a celebratory event March 2015 in New York City.
Commenting on the competition announcement, Thom Mayne, Pritzker-prize winning architect and founder of Morphosis said, "We are thrilled about the jury's decision and look forward to working with a visionary client to create a unique design that resonates with this incredible destination in the Alps."
Founded in 1972, Morphosis is counted among today's most renowned architectural firms. With projects built internationally, their work traverses a broad range of typologies, scales and contexts across the public and private sectors. The practice maintains offices in Los Angeles, New York and Shanghai. Thom Mayne, founder and Design Director of Morphosis, was awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2005 and the AIA Gold Medal in 2013. Critics regard him as an avant-garde architect who challenges conventional perceptions of aesthetics and methods and sets new standards in architecture, urban planning and design.
Since its founding, Morphosis has received 25 Progressive Architecture awards and over 100 American Institute of Architects (AIA) awards as well as numerous other honors in recognition of the firm's innovative work.
Further information for Morphosis may be found through the firm's website:
http://morphosis.com/
Further information regarding 7132 Ltd may be found through the hotel's website:
http://7132.com
