Liu Jiakun, a 68-year-old architect from China, has won the prestigious Pritzker Prize, known as the “Nobel of architecture,” for his understated approach to design. Unlike many of his peers, Liu’s style is self-described as “low-tech” and hyper-local, focusing on the history, nature, and craft traditions surrounding each site.
Liu’s firm, Jiakun Architects, has completed over 30 projects in China, all of which share a common theme of reinterpreting traditional elements for modern use. His designs often blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them feel like a part of the environment rather than a standalone structure.
The winner of the Pritzker Prize is celebrated for his “everyday architecture” approach, which prioritizes public space and nature over grand gestures. Liu’s projects, such as the West Village in Chengdu, China, demonstrate this philosophy, where a block of land has been transformed into a courtyard with lush greenery and soccer pitches.
Liu believes that his set of methods can be adapted to foreign contexts with sufficient research and preparation, making him an exciting prospect for international commissions. Despite never completing a project abroad, Liu’s humility and willingness to learn have earned him widespread recognition as one of the world’s leading architects.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/04/style/pritzker-prize-winner-liu-jiakun-intl-hnk/index.html