Renowned Japanese architect and social advocate Riken Yamamoto has been announced as the recipient of the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize, the esteemed award recognized globally as the highest honor in architecture.
Yamamoto, the 53rd Laureate of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize and the ninth architect from Japan to receive this accolade, is celebrated for his profound dedication to sustaining community life through architectural innovation.
Emphasizing the significance of communal spaces, Yamamoto stated, “For me, recognizing space means acknowledging an entire community. The prevailing architectural approach tends to prioritize privacy, often overlooking the importance of societal relationships. However, we can uphold the freedom of individuals while fostering a sense of unity within architectural spaces, promoting harmony across cultures and lifestyles.”
The 2024 Jury Citation lauded Yamamoto for his commitment to raising community awareness and challenging conventional architectural norms to address societal needs effectively. His approach underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts in architectural design, emphasizing the importance of community-driven spaces akin to democratic principles.
Yamamoto’s architectural philosophy revolves around blurring the boundaries between public and private domains, fostering inclusive and harmonious societies amidst diverse identities, economies, policies, infrastructures, and housing systems.
Alejandro Aravena, Jury Chair and 2016 Pritzker Prize Laureate, underscored the significance of creating environments that facilitate social interaction. He noted, “One of the most crucial aspects for the future of cities is to create architectural conditions that encourage people to come together and engage. By intricately blending public and private realms, Yamamoto’s designs transcend conventional boundaries, enriching community life.”
Throughout his illustrious five-decade career, Yamamoto has left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape with a diverse portfolio spanning private residences, public housing, educational institutions, civic spaces, and urban planning projects across Japan, China, Korea, and Switzerland.
Born in Beijing and later relocating to Yokohama, Japan, Yamamoto pursued his architectural education at esteemed institutions before founding his practice, Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop, in 1973. His architectural endeavors prioritize transparency in form, materials, and philosophy, fostering interconnectedness and relational living.
Yamamoto’s notable projects include Pangyo Housing in Korea, Hotakubo Housing in Japan, and Nagoya Zokei University in Japan, among others, each embodying his ethos of community-centric design.
As the recipient of the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize, Yamamoto joins the esteemed ranks of Japanese architects honored with this prestigious award, symbolizing his profound impact on the architectural landscape. He will be formally awarded the prize at a ceremony in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
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