British architect Norman Foster on Wednesday won the Prince of Asturias Prize on Arts 2009, which he will receive in the Spanish city of Oviedo in October.

Foster was chosen among 26 candidates from 11 countries, among them U.S. sculptor Richard Serra, British actress Vanessa Redgrave and Spanish composer Cristobal Halffter, organizers said.

Foster was born in Manchester on 1935, he studied Architecture in the University of Manchester and received a PhD at the University of Yale in the United States.

Among Foster's works are the crystal dome of the German Parliament (1995-1999) and the airports of Hong Kong and Beijing.

Foster also designed the Millau Bridge of 2,460 meters high over the Tran valley in France.

Foster is a strong defender of the high-tech style and his work is permanently exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) in New York and at the Pompidou center in Paris.

Foster said on Wednesday that he was very thankful for the prize, which he said was "great news, something absolutely fantastic."

The Prize of the Arts given by the Price of Asturias Foundationis of 50,000 euros and it will be given at the end of October by the Prince Felipe of Borbon.