Liu Jiakun Wins the Prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize

A Champion of Architecture for the People

The Pritzker Architecture Prize, often regarded as the Nobel Prize of architecture, has been awarded to Liu Jiakun, a visionary architect from China. This prestigious honor recognizes Liu’s dedication to creating spaces that celebrate the lives of ordinary citizens. Based in Chengdu, a vibrant city in southwestern China, Liu has built a reputation for his human-centric approach to architecture. His work seeks to balance commercial interests with the needs of the public, fostering communities that are both beautiful and just. Through his projects, Liu aims to create environments that inspire compassion, elevate the human spirit, and bring people closer together.

Harmonizing Culture, History, and Humanity

Liu Jiakun’s architectural philosophy revolves around the harmonization of cultural, historical, emotional, and social dimensions. His designs are not mere structures; they are spaces that tell stories, evoke emotions, and create a sense of belonging. By blending the past with the present, Liu’s work transcends the physicality of buildings and becomes a catalyst for community building. His architecture is a testament to the idea that the built environment has the power to uplift and inspire. Whether it’s a bustling public square or a serene rooftop garden, Liu’s creations are designed to connect people to their surroundings and to each other.

Innovative Solutions for Dense Urban Landscapes

One of Liu Jiakun’s most notable contributions to architecture is his ability to create meaningful public spaces in densely populated urban areas. In cities where open spaces are scarce, Liu has found innovative ways to forge a positive relationship between density and accessibility. For instance, his 2015 project, West Village in Chengdu, is a five-story complex that spans an entire city block. The design incorporates pathways for cyclists and pedestrians, creating a vibrant hub of cultural, athletic, recreational, and business activities. At the same time, the building’s transparent design allows the public to gaze out at the surrounding natural and built environments, blending privacy with openness.

Another exemplary project is the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute Department of Sculpture in Chongqing. This structure showcases Liu’s ability to maximize space while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The upper levels of the building protrude outward, increasing the square footage without compromising on design. This innovative solution demonstrates Liu’s commitment to functionality and creativity in the face of urban challenges.

A Methodological Approach to Design

Unlike many architects who rely on a strong personal style to make their mark, Liu Jiakun takes a more methodological and strategic approach to his work. He believes that architecture should be adaptable to the unique conditions of each location. In his own words, Liu wants to “fully understand the place, and then look for resources, problems, and then distill and refine” before turning his insights into a design. This approach allows him to create buildings that are deeply rooted in their context while remaining timeless and universal. For Liu, the goal is not to impose a personal aesthetic but to let the site and its people guide the process.

Bridging Tradition and Modernity

Liu Jiakun is deeply respectful of China’s architectural heritage, which he describes as “brilliant and very classic.” However, he also recognizes that traditional architecture is a product of its time and must be reinterpreted for the modern era. By understanding the essence of tradition, Liu seeks to express it through contemporary technology and language. This approach allows him to honor the past while creating buildings that are undeniably of the present. For Liu, tradition serves as a core philosophy, but the execution of his work is firmly rooted in the 21st century.

Embracing Commercial Realities While Prioritizing the Public Good

In a world where urban development is often driven by capital and profit, Liu Jiakun remains committed to creating spaces that serve the public good. He believes that cities must strike a balance between commercial imperatives and civic concerns. “You have to leave the public the space they deserve,” Liu says. “Only in this way can the development of a city be positive and healthy, rather than being completely high-density, where people live in drawers and boxes… without even a place to go and no space for communication.” For Liu, architecture is not just about buildings; it is about creating a better quality of life for everyone.

A Humble Laureate Looks to the Future

As the 54th laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Liu Jiakun joins a distinguished list of architects who have shaped the built environment in profound ways. Winners of the prize receive a $100,000 grant and a bronze medallion, but Liu is more focused on maintaining his normalcy and freedom to create. When asked if the honor would change his life, Liu expressed a desire to stay grounded. “I don’t want to become nervous about everything