About Pedro Ramírez Vázquez
Pedro Ramírez Vázquez (April 16, 1919 – April 16, 2013) was a Mexican architect. He was persuaded to study architecture by writer and poet Carlos Pellicer. Ramírez Vázquez earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in 1943. He was responsible for the construction of some of Mexico's most emblematic buildings. He was a modern architect with influences from the European modern movement, Latin American modern architects and precolumbian cultures. Concrete is the material he used most often. He developed a system to construct schools in rural areas, constructing thousands of schools in Mexico and abroad. The UNICEF has used such system. He was the president of the organizing committee of the Mexico City Olympics in 1968 and the World Cup in 1970. He was a member of the International Olympic Committee. He won several awards including the National Arts Award in 1973, Cemex Award in 2003 and IDSA's Special Award in 1969 for notable results, creative and innovative concepts and long-term benefits to the industrial design profession, its educational functions and society at large. He was minister of public infrastructure and human settlements during president's José López Portillo government. He was founder and rector of the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. He was part of the faculty of the UNAM and received various honorary degrees (doctor honoris causa) granted by several universities including the UNAM. The Los Angeles Times wrote that "Ramirez Vazquez was known for stunningly original designs that blended a European modernist sensibility with pre-Columbia aesthetics." In the Olympics for the first time, Pedro Ramírez Vázquez wanted to give women an important place in the celebration of the games. Ignacio Villarreal. "Pedro Ramírez Vazquez awarded Fine Arts Medal by the National Institute of Fine Arts". In the Olympics created the advertising program for peace and identity link between the cultures of young people participating countries.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.