Liu Jiakun, a 68-year-old architect from Chengdu, China, has been awarded the Pritzker Prize, the profession’s highest honor. Known for his understated structures that respond to their surroundings, Liu’s work reflects his commitment to using local materials and honoring existing conditions.
Born in 1956, Liu began his career as a state-owned architect before exploring his passion for architecture through writing. He volunteered to relocate to Tibet in the 1980s, where he honed his skills and discovered his love for building places that blend seamlessly into their environments.
Liu’s designs often feature simple, poignant structures that celebrate everyday life. His “Memorial to Hu Huishan,” a tribute to a girl lost in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, showcases his ability to create public spaces that are both personal and collective memories.
The Pritzker jury praised Liu for his strategy of evaluating each project’s unique characteristics and requirements. Through his work, he has imagined and constructed new worlds that reflect the human spirit.
Liu’s buildings often blend into their surroundings, but they also offer a sense of community and connection to the environment. His designs have been featured in various international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale, where he showcased an arcade formed by fishing rods lodged into rough logs.
With this award, Liu joins a prestigious group of architects who have made significant contributions to the field. His win is a testament to his dedication to creating buildings that are both functional and beautiful, and that reflect the values of simplicity, humility, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/arts/design/chinese-architect-liu-jiakun-pritzker-prize.html