He may be 101 years old, but Oscar Niemeyer shows no signs of letting up, and is currently overseeing the completion of what he terms his 'most important European design', and his first project in Spain.

The Oscar Niemeyer International Culture Center in Avilés, commissioned by the city in preparation to compete for the European Capital of Culture 2016 has an expected completion date of Spring 2010, but that isn't stopping it from being a key cultural focal point for the country already; having already hosted the world premiere of the Woody Allen film Cassandra's Dream to name but one event.

However, come September, the 2009 World Cultural Diplomacy Forum will also move into the uncompleted structure; an important event set to take place at the Center between the 15th and 17th which will hosting 200 world leaders in culture armed with an agenda to discuss international conflicts in culture.

"The Niemeyer Center is an open door to culture in all its shapes, forms, traditions and styles. Music, theatre, cinema, expositions, conferences and outdoor and educational news will be the main focus of a multidisciplinary cultural programme of which the only common denominator is excellence," announced the Center in a recent statement.