2024 Pritzker Prize Laureate: Riken Yamamoto
The Pritzker Prize jury has made its 2024 selection, and the honour goes to the highly respected Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto. Known for his understated yet impactful architecture, Yamamoto's career spans five decades, establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary Japanese design.
Yamamoto's approach has consistently focused on a neutral, modernist style, crafting buildings defined by clean lines, cubic forms, and thoughtful steel, concrete, and glass use. While these structures may not initially appear dazzling, they possess a quiet power that reveals itself upon closer examination.
The jury highlighted Yamamoto's ability to create spaces fostering connection and community. As Chilean architect and Pritzker jury chair Alejandro Aravena stated, "Yamamoto contributes positively beyond the brief to enable community. He is a reassuring architect who brings dignity to everyday life. Normality becomes extraordinary. Calmness leads to splendour."
This focus on social interaction is evident in projects like the open-access Hiroshima fire station, a building designed to be a welcoming hub for the community beyond its emergency response function. In contrast, his "House of Books" design showcases Yamamoto's ability to create intimate yet light-filled spaces that celebrate the act of reading and contemplation.
Yamamoto's win marks a return to a focus on the fundamental principles of good architecture. His dedication to creating functional spaces that contribute to a sense of well-being resonates deeply with the Pritzker jury's emphasis on architecture's ability to enrich our lives.
The upcoming Pritzker Prize ceremony in Chicago promises to be a momentous occasion, offering a chance to celebrate Yamamoto's achievements and engage with his design philosophy.
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