Colombian architect Simón Vélez has been asked by the Prince Claus Fund to design an open air stage in the Dutch capital Amsterdam.

The new cultural centre will be located in the grounds of the former Shell building in North Amsterdam.

The building will be the first ever Vélez work to be built in the capital. Vélez is famous for using bamboo in his work. He is receiving the Great Prince Claus Award this afternoon for his innovative and ethic use of materials.

A sum of 100,000 euros accompanies the prize. There are another ten Prince Claus Awards each worth 25,000 euros. This year the theme of the prize is culture and nature. Prize winners are being awarded for the outstanding way they use nature in the work. In doing so they contribute to finding solutions for climate change.

Prince Claus is the late husband of Queen Beatrix. The fund was set up in 2006 in honour of his 70th birthday for his contribution to development cooperation. The fund believes stimulating ideas is the best way to encourage development. The prize is awarded annually to artists in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean. Prince Claus died in 2002.

Photos: Bamboo buildings by Vélez - BernardoUribeP