The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, founders of the practice SANAA, will receive the 2025 Royal Gold Medal for Architecture. This prestigious honor recognizes SANAA’s significant contribution to contemporary architecture, characterized by simplicity, light, and refined design.
According to the 2025 RIBA Honors Committee, SANAA’s work has helped establish “a universal language of architecture that resonates with people everywhere.” RIBA credits the practice with balancing innovation and sensitivity to local environments, demonstrating how architecture can be both functional and elegant while providing a sense of calm in an increasingly complex world.
SANAA is also recognized for its emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. The practice’s use of transparency and natural light creates spaces that integrate with their surroundings and foster human connection. Notable projects include the New Museum in New York, the Rolex Learning Center in Lausanne, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, and the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in the UK.
“We are delighted and very honored to receive the Royal Gold Medal,” said Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, Founders, SANAA. “We have always believed that architecture can transform and repair environments, helping us to relate to our surroundings, nature, and each other.”
A public event marking SANAA’s achievement is scheduled to take place in London on May 1, 2025.
Image Courtesy: archdaily.com
