The Pritzker Architecture Prize announces Riken Yamamoto, of Yokohama, Japan, as the 2024 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the award that is regarded internationally as one of architecture’s top honors, and celebrates an individual who not only constructs buildings but also weaves the very fabric of community through his designs.
Yamamoto's approach to architecture goes beyond mere construction; he envisions buildings as bridges between the public and private spheres, thereby encouraging a harmonious society amidst diverse identities and cultures. His belief in community as a "sense of sharing one space" challenges traditional concepts of freedom and privacy, advocating for a communal support system over isolation. "For me, to recognize space, is to recognize an entire community," Yamamoto states, emphasizing the importance of societal relationships in architectural design.
The 2024 Jury Citation praised Yamamoto for "creating awareness in the community about what is the responsibility of the social demand" and for his innovative architectural responses that remind us "spaces must be created by the resolve of the people." Through his work, Yamamoto redefines boundaries, turning them into active spaces that foster social interaction and community engagement.
His projects, regardless of scale, are masterpieces of spatial quality, prioritizing the life they encompass. Utilizing transparency, Yamamoto designs environments that connect people with their surroundings and with each other, creating a sense of belonging for both the occupants and passersby. He designed his own home, GAZEBO (Yokohama, Japan 1986) to invoke interaction with neighbors from terraces and rooftops. Ishii House (Kawasaki, Japan 1978), built for two artists, features a pavilion-like room, that extends outdoors and serves as a stage to host performances, while living quarters are embedded beneath. This consistency in design extends to his consideration of the existing landscapes and built environments, ensuring each building is contextually integrated.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese and Greek housing, Yamamoto has designed spaces that promote interaction among neighbors and facilitate a community-centric lifestyle. His work includes innovative housing projects like the Pangyo Housing in Seongnam, Republic of Korea, where the design encourages neighborly interaction and community engagement.
Tom Pritzker, Chair of the Hyatt Foundation, commends Yamamoto's ability to not just create living spaces but to cultivate communities that thrive together. His architectural language, according to Pritzker, is a testament to the social connectivity his buildings foster, "honoring the human moment."
Alejandro Aravena, Jury Chair and 2016 Pritzker Prize Laureate, highlights Yamamoto's contribution to creating communal conditions through architecture, praising his efforts to dignify everyday life and turn normality into splendor.
“One of the things we need most in the future of cities is to create conditions through architecture that multiply the opportunities for people to come together and interact. By carefully blurring the boundary between public and private, Yamamoto contributes positively beyond the brief to enable community,” explains Alejandro Aravena, Jury Chair and 2016 Pritzker Prize Laureate. “He is a reassuring architect who brings dignity to everyday life. Normality becomes extraordinary. Calmness leads to splendor.”
Yamamoto's civic projects, such as the Hiroshima Nishi Fire Station and Fussa City Hall, also reflect his philosophy, making public services more accessible and integrated within the community. His design for educational institutions like Saitama Prefectural University and Koyasu Elementary School fosters interdisciplinary learning and encourages interaction among students of different age groups.
The architect's thoughtful consideration of user experience is evident in his design of the Yokosuka Museum of Art, which harmonizes with its natural surroundings while providing an immersive experience for visitors.
With a career spanning over five decades, Yamamoto's body of work encompasses a wide range of projects that have made significant impacts in Japan, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and Switzerland. As the 53rd laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize and the ninth from Japan, Yamamoto's legacy is a testament to his vision of architecture as a means of fostering community and connectivity.
Yamamoto will be honored in Chicago, Illinois, this spring, with the 2024 Laureate Lecture scheduled to take place at S. R. Crown Hall, Illinois Institute of Technology, in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Center, on May 16th. The event will be open to the public both in-person and online, offering a global audience the opportunity to engage with his architectural philosophy and vision for a communal future.
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