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A review of 9 Japanese architects who won the Pritzker Prize
Last week, Japanese architect and social advocate Riken Yamamoto was announced as the winner of the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize, becoming the ninth Japanese architect to win the industry’s most prestigious award. Throughout the 45-year history of the Pritzker Prize, Japan is the country with the largest number of winners. Although geography is not a criterion for selecting the winners, Japanese architecture has always impressed with its interplay of light and shadow, careful spatial composition, soft transitions between interior and exterior, and attention to detail and materiality. impression. A deep-rooted architectural culture also celebrates diverse design, encouraging global dialogue and the exchange of ideas and best practice. Read on to get reacquainted with nine Japanese Pritzker Prize winners and get a glimpse of their work.
Riken Yamamoto (2024)
Riken Yamamoto, the latest winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, is praised for promoting unity and interaction through architecture. His innovative approach blurs the lines between public and private spaces, enriching communities around the world. During his five-decade career, Yamamoto has designed a diverse range of projects spanning the residential, educational and municipal sectors in Japan, China, South Korea and Switzerland. He challenges traditional notions of freedom and privacy, creating inviting spaces that encourage social participation and cultural exchange.
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Hide Isozaki (2019)
Isozaki is known for his unconventional architectural vision and prolific body of work, his approach defying categorization and constantly evolving while keeping his designs fresh. Influenced by the devastation caused by World War II to his homeland and Japan, Isozaki often focused on the need to reinvent and adapt to change. Working with his mentor Kenzo Tange, he blended Metabolism and Brutalism, reflected in iconic works such as the Expo 70 Festival Plaza. Isozaki’s work is marked by heterogeneity, transcending trends and establishing his unique architectural path.
Shigeru Ban (2014)
Shigeru Ban, winner of the 2014 Pritzker Prize, is known for his innovative use of materials and compassionate approach to design. Through his architectural vision, he pioneered creative solutions to social challenges, particularly in disaster relief. Ban’s career spans more than two decades, with his buildings serving as shelters and community centers, providing comfort to those in need around the world. His commitment to humanitarian causes and sustainable design sets him apart and embodies the spirit of the Pritzker Prize. Shigeru Ban’s work embodies functionality, elegance and environmental awareness.
It’s soy sauce (2013)
The 2013 Pritzker Prize winner is known for blending natural, organic forms with innovative design to create spiritual architecture with a spiritual dimension. Notable works such as the Sendai Media Center and the Taichung Metropolitan Opera House demonstrate his mastery of structure and space. Ito’s commitment to mentorship and social responsibility, exemplified by the “Home-for-All” initiative following Japan’s 2011 earthquake, underscored his profound impact on the industry.
Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa (SANAA) (2010)
Founded in 1995 by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, SANAA relies on its groundbreaking and innovative approach to architecture, characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, flowing spaces and unconventional forms. Won the Pritzker Prize in 2010. The office’s work emphasizes the human experience, creating tranquil environments that challenge traditional building codes. Their international influence has reshaped contemporary design thinking and reflects a deep understanding of cultural context and social needs. Kazuyo Sejima is also the second woman to win the award after Zaha Hadid in 2004, further highlighting the contribution of women to architecture.
Fumihiko Maki (1993)
Known for its unique blend of modernism rooted in Japanese aesthetics, Fumihiko Maki’s architecture is characterized by simplicity and elegance, evoking “an indescribable atmosphere” through the strategic use of metal, concrete and glass. He embraces new construction techniques and continually pushes the boundaries of design, seeking to create unforgettable spatial experiences. From his early influences on the Metabolic Movement to his more recent explorations of light and transparency, Maki’s buildings remain a testament to his pursuit of architectural expression.
Tadao Ando (1995)
Tadao Ando’s minimalist yet poetic designs are characterized by a mastery of space, light and materials, often incorporating concrete in innovative ways, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural landscape. Deeply rooted in the principles of Zen Buddhism and Japanese aesthetics, Ando’s work evokes a sense of tranquility and contemplation while sensitively responding to its cultural and environmental context. His ability to create timeless and emotionally resonant spaces, coupled with his unwavering commitment to architectural excellence, earned him the prestigious recognition of the Pritzker Prize.
Tange Kenzo (1987)
In 1987, Kenzo Tange won the Pritzker Architecture Prize, becoming the first Japanese architect to win this honor. This was a historic moment. His groundbreaking designs, characterized by a fusion of traditional Japanese architectural elements with modernist principles, reshaped the landscape of postwar Japan and had a lasting impact on architecture worldwide. Tange’s approach to urban planning was reflected in projects such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Yogi National Stadium in Tokyo for the 1964 Olympics, demonstrating his ability to reconcile modernity with cultural heritage. His innovative use of concrete and geometric forms, coupled with a deep understanding of spatial dynamics, reflect his commitment to functionality and aesthetic expression.
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