The Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas was invited last week participate in a think-tank on behalf on the European Union. Koolhaas, whose designs include the Central China Television Headquarters (CCTV), and the Netherlands Embassy in Berlin, partook in a panel with 11 other prominent Europeans to discuss challenges facing the future of the European Union.

Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzales was invited by EU leaders to head the group with Jorma Ollila, chairman of Nokia, and Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga acting as his deputies. Following the suggestions of EU member states, Gonzales proposed nine further participants including Koolhaas, to discuss subjects such as the economic challenges of globalisation, energy, and climate change. The main focus of the discussions was how the EU can better reflect the needs of its citizens through these challenges, in the period 2020-2030.

Rem Koolhaas is renowned for his unorthodox designs such as his Euralille project in Lille France, which combined a large concert hall, three auditoria and an exhibition space, with residential housing and two centers for commerce and trade. He has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Royal Gold Medal in 1994, from the Royal Institute of British Architects, which is awarded to reflect an architect’s entire body of work.