Archinect - News

Pritzker Architecture Prize names Alejandro Aravena as Chair of the Pritzker Architecture Prize Jury

2020-10-29T17:54:00-04:00

Today, The Pritzker Architecture Prize announced the appointments of Alejandro Aravena as Chair of the Pritzker Architecture Prize Jury and Manuela Lucá-Dazio as an advisor to the Prize and the next Executive Director, beginning in March 2021.

"Throughout the history of the Prize, we have consistently relied on the diversity, expertise and standing of our jury members to interpret the evolving role of architecture as it responds to the changing needs of community, environment and technology. We are pleased to welcome back Alejandro Aravena, and in a renewed capacity as he brings with him a fresh model of leadership to steward our independent, international and esteemed jury," said Tom Pritzker, Chairman of The Hyatt Foundation, which sponsors the award in a statement. "Likewise, we are delighted to work with Manuela Lucá-Dazio in this new season as we continue our privilege of honoring architects who have impressed upon the industry through the art of architecture and their service ...

Balkrishna Doshi wins 2018 Pritzker Prize

2018-03-07T10:07:00-05:00

That time of year is here again! Today, Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi was announced as the 2018 Pritzker Prize winner. Dubbed the “Nobel Prize” of architecture, the illustrious $100,000 prize also comes with a formal citation certificate and a bronze medallion based on the designs of iconic architect Louis Sullivan.

Balkrishna Doshi will join the Pritzker's honorary list of laureates, which includes RCR Arquitectes co-founders Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem, and Ramon Vilalta (who collectively won the 2017 prize), Alejandro Aravena (2016), the late Frei Otto (2015), Shigeru Ban (2014), Toyo Ito (2013), Wang Shu (2012), Eduardo Souto de Moura (2011), SANAA (2010), Peter Zumthor (2009), and Paulo Mendes da Rocha (2006).

Wang Shu and André Corrêa do Lago announced as new jurors of the coveted Pritzker Prize

2017-09-06T13:28:00-04:00

As the Pritzker Prize marks its 40th anniversary with the upcoming 2018 edition, the award which has come to be known internationally as architecture’s highest honor welcomes two new members to its jury: architect and 2012 Laureate Wang Shu and André Aranha Corrêa do Lago.

They will be replacing architect and educator Yung Ho Chang, and architecture curator, writer and editor Kristin Feireiss. The two served on the Pritzker Prize Jury for 7 and 6 years, respectively, and have recently stepped down. Jurors serve a minimum three-year term, which allows for both change and stability in the decision-making process

As a former winner of the prize, the Chinese architect's recent appointment comes as no surprise. Wang, whose work incorporates cultural tradition, craft skills, and spontaneous elements, said of the honor that “it is a great responsibility to serve on the jury. I also hope to share my knowledge of China and the Asian context with them.”

Mr. Corrêa do Lago, on the other hand,...

Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem, Ramon Vilalta named 2017 Pritzker Prize Winners

2017-03-01T12:38:00-05:00

Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem and Ramon Vilalta, all three co-founders of RCR Arquitectes, have been named the laureates of the 2017 Pritzker Prize. Dubbed as the "Nobel Prize" of architecture, the illustrious Pritzker isn't only a big deal in terms of prestige. Once the latest laureate is revealed, the debate surrounding the prize is ignited once more — from questioning the prize's significance in the field to discussing which architect should have won.

It's the first time that three architects have been honored with the prize. Originally from Olot in the Catalonian region of Spain, Aranda, Pigem, and Vilalta have worked closely together since founding RCR Arquitectes in 1988. It was this nearly three-decade collaboration — along with their longtime commitment to creative vision and equal sharing of responsibilities — that led the jury to select all three architects to win.

Emphasizing place, narrative, and materiality in their work, their projects “seek connections between the exteri...

Who'll win the 2017 Pritzker Prize? Just ask a psychic. All will be revealed on the season finale of One-to-One, out now

2016-12-19T16:29:00-05:00

Tired of all those repetitive Pritzker-prediction lists? Always those same, predictable bigly names, and when was the last time they actually got it right? It's time to cut through all the crap and go straight to the source to get the info — the ones who operate at a higher level than any listicle or explainer-piece could. So we asked a psychic.

After a quest to find a future-seer who would let me record the reading, I ventured deep into the depths of Los Angeles' Echo Park neighborhood and sat for 15 minutes with a psychic named Mary. She gave me the following tarot reading, in response to two questions: What are going to be the major concerns for architecture in 2017, and who’s going to win the Pritzker? Find out the answers in the season finale of One-to-One.

Listen to One-to-One #50, a psychic Pritzker prediction:

iTunes: Click here to listen, and click the "Subscribe" button below the logo to automatically download new episodes.
Apple Podcast App (iOS): click here to subscribe
Sound...

"It’s going to be about gratitude and it’s going to be about joy": Watch Alejandro Aravena's Pritzker acceptance speech

2016-04-05T19:40:00-04:00

Yesterday, the Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena was awarded the Pritzker Prize during a ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Known for his socially-engaged practice, Elemental, Aravena will also serve as the curator for this summer's Venice Biennale.

“The work of this year’s Pritzker laureate, Alejandro Aravena of Chile, shows how much architecture can contribute to achieving our shared goals," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, who gave the first address of the night via video.

"The United Nations is striving to build resilient societies and to support the most vulnerable members of society," Ban asserted – the first in many comments made throughout the event that compared the work of Aravena with the intergovernmental organization. "Señor Aravena is a pioneer in low cost social housing and in rebuilding cities after natural disasters.”

Lord Peter Palumbo, the chair of Pritzker jury, followed Ban with a sentimental address. Beginning by paying respects ...

How the Pritzker Prize came to be

2016-03-16T13:15:00-04:00

As native Chicagoans, it’s not surprising that our family was keenly aware of architecture [...] While the architecture of Chicago made us cognizant of the art of architecture, our work with designing and building hotels made us aware of the impact architecture could have on human behavior. So in 1978, when we were approached with the idea of honoring living architects, we were responsive. — Thomas J. Pritzker

A brief history on the family behind "the architecture profession's highest honor", and how the prize was established.

For more, check out Archinect's most recent coverage on the Pritzker Prize:

Why is the Pritzker such a big deal?

Aravena's Pritzker: A Critical Round-Up

"Making A Pritzker Laureate" – Martha Thorne, executive director of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, gives us an inside look at the prestigious award, on Archinect Sessions #48

Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena, director of this year's Venice Biennale, named 2016 Pritzker Prize Laureate

Frei Otto: "What does society really need?"

2015-05-14T14:41:00-04:00

The Pritzker Architecture Prize, undoubtedly the most prestigious architecture award in the world, is having its ceremony in Miami this week. [...] Otto often questioned how his work could benefit mankind. When speaking with Icon magazine in 2005, he was critical of grandiose structures such as Buckminster Fuller’s vision of an enormous dome over Manhattan, asking to himself: “What does society really need?”

Previously: Frei Otto wins 2015 Pritzker Prize

Archinect Sessions Episode #20: Three Funerals and a Curator

2015-03-12T18:01:00-04:00

Ten minutes before we sat down to record this week's episode, the Pritzker Prize Laureate was announced – posthumously. The winner, Frei Otto (1925 - 2015), was a German architect whose impressive work and research with lightweight and sustainable structures influenced countless architects through the 20th century to today. Otto was informed of the prize before his death in Germany this past Monday, March 9, prompting the Pritzker committee to make the formal announcement the day after.

This episode, we reflect on Otto's remarkable life and the Prize's announcement in the midst of his passing. We also examine the uncertain fate (and value) of Frank Gehry's Winton Guest House, which will be up for sale on May 19, and consider whether architects should shoulder the cultural and emotional weight of deciding how we bury our dead.

And on the heels of Google's announcement that BIG will collaborate with Heatherwick Studios on their campus expansion, Amelia spoke with curator Brooke Hodge i...

Frei Otto wins 2015 Pritzker Prize

2015-03-10T17:37:00-04:00

German architect Frei Otto has been named the 2015 Pritzker Prize Laureate. Otto was known for his technologically progressive and sustainable work with lightweight, adaptable structures that accomplished remarkable engineering feats – a noteworthy instance being his canopy for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. In 2006, he won the Praemium Imperiale prize for architecture, and was awarded the Royal Gold Medal for architecture from RIBA in 2005. Otto passed away yesterday in Germany, prompting the Prizker committee to break the news in advance of the scheduled announcement on March 23rd. This is the first time winner has died before the announcement was made.

Otto had already been informed of his win, responding to Pritzker officials, “I’ve never done anything to gain this prize... Prize-winning is not the goal of my life. I try to help poor people, but what shall I say here, I’m very happy.” According to the New York Times, the Pritzker ceremony will precede as scheduled on May 15, ...

In memoriam: Pritzker winner Hans Hollein dies at age 80

2014-04-24T17:34:00-04:00

Austrian architect and designer Hans Hollein, a winner of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize whose work ranged from big museums through tiny shops to furniture and sunglasses, has died. He was 80. [...] He won the 1985 Pritzker Prize for his work, which often included touches of fancy, such as bronze-clad palm trees in a Vienna travel agency.

RIP Hans Hollein (1934 - 2014), independent architect, artist and professor.

From 1976-2002, Hollein served as a professor at the University of Applied Art in Vienna, where he was also Dean of the Architecture department. He also held professorships at Yale University, Washington University in St. Louis, University of California, Los Angeles, and Ohio State University. According to Dorothea Apovnik, a spokeswoman for Hollein's family, he died in Vienna after a long illness.

The following is a selection of Hollein's work, including his Museum für Moderne Kunst in Frankfurt am Main and Haas-Haus in Vienna.

Additional images of Hollein's earlier work are available here.

Donna Sink has begun a thread in the forum honoring Hollein, discussing his life and work.

Charlie Rose interviews Tom Pritzker & Shigeru Ban

2014-03-26T17:41:00-04:00

We conclude with Tom Pritzker, Chairman and CEO of the Pritzker Organization on this year's winner of the annual Pritzker Architecture Prize, Shigeru Ban.

Shigeru Ban named as 2014 Pritzker Prize Laureate

2014-03-24T17:14:00-04:00

Japanese architect Shigeru Ban has been announced as the 2014 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. Established by the Pritzker family of Chicago in 1979, the prestigious award is widely regarded as "the Nobel Prize" in the architecture profession.

Shigeru Ban will be the seventh Japanese architect to become a Pritzker Laureate — following the late Kenzo Tange in 1987, Fumihiko Maki in 1993, Tadao Ando in 1995, the team of Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa in 2010, and Toyo Ito in 2013.

Shigeru Ban will officially accept the prize at a formal ceremony in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam on June 13, 2014. This will be the first time the ceremony will be held in The Netherlands.

Past recipients in recent years include Toyo Ito (2013), Wang Shu (2012), Eduardo Souto de Moura (2011), SANAA (2010), and Peter Zumthor (2009). Laureates receive a $100,000 grant, a formal citation certificate, and a bronze medallion based on the designs of famed Chicago architect Louis Sullivan.

From the wi...

Pritzker jury will not revisit decision to exclude Denise Scott Brown

2013-06-14T19:28:00-04:00

“Insofar as you have in mind a retroactive award of the prize to Ms. Scott Brown, the present jury cannot do so” -Peter Palumbo, the Pritzker chairman

No Pritzker Prize for Denise Scott Brown and no more pretzels for you guys! Boooooooo!

Toyo Ito announced as recipient for 2013 Pritzker Prize

2013-03-17T16:09:00-04:00

For nearly 40 years, Toyo Ito has pursued excellence. His work has not remained static and has never been predictable. He has been an inspiration and influenced the thinking of younger generations of architects both within his land and abroad.

Contrary to the popular choice of Steven Holl, in this year's Pritzker Bets thread in the Archinect forum, Toyo Ito takes the prestigious award. Credit goes to members jk3hl, miesian and helenakeys for their insightful predictions (or hopes, to be more accurate).

Steven Ward says, "Yep, there's def a grudge against Holl..."

There's no denying, however, that Toyo Ito is deserving of the Pritzker. Perhaps Holl's year is next.

Tower of Winds, 1986, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
Photo by Tomio Ohashi

The 2013 Pritzker Architecture Prize Ceremony Will Be Held in Boston at the John F. Kennedy Library.

Some comments from this year's jurors:

Toyo Ito, his manner, methodology, and generosity of mind and spirit to the younger generation of architects; as well as the brilliance of the constant innovation and execution of his work throughout his long and distinguished career, are qualities that those younger architects would do well to study. Toyo Ito is, quite simply, a ma...

Starchitect Switcheroo: Christian de Portzamparc Ditched by Developer on Manhattan Megaproject

2012-09-24T15:28:00-04:00

Neither is this switcheroo exactly new. That is a big part of the reason the City Planning Commission works so hard to ensure certain design flourishes and details in ambitious projects like the Riverside Center.

Yet again—the World Trade Center, Atlantic Yards, the Williamsburg waterfront—a New York City developer has dumped his high design stalking horse when it actually comes time to build their project. This time, Christian de Portzamparc was used to get the eight-acre Riverside Center through the difficult public review process. Now, local hacks SLCE will be finishing the design work. Is this a Pritzker bait and switch or just how the game is played?

Pritzker Architecture Prize ceremonies head to China

2011-10-27T16:58:57-04:00

The 2012 Pritzker Architecture Prize Ceremony will be held in Beijing, China on May 25, 2012, it was disclosed today In a joint announcement by Guo Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing, China and Thomas J. Pritzker, Chairman of The Hyatt Foundation.

Justice Stephen G. Breyer Talks About the Pritzker Jury

2011-10-06T11:42:18-04:00

Mr. Gehry predicted the panel will benefit from Justice Breyer’s sense of calm. “People have biases,” he said. “And having a guy like that, who is used to that kind of negotiation and discussion, could be very interesting. He’s a real straight shooter.” Justice Breyer said he hopes to advocate for high-quality design in government buildings.

Justice Stephen Breyer, Zaha Hadid join Pritzker Prize jury

2011-09-14T15:21:30-04:00

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will join the jury for the Pritzker Prize, architecture's top honor, Pritzker officials announced this morning. Joining Breyer on the eight-person jury will be architect Zaha Hadid, who won the prize in 2004.

Obama touts Chicago architecture, Pritzker family in Pritzker Architecture Prize speech.

2011-06-03T11:51:11-04:00

Referring to Tom Pritzker, Obama said, "Now, as Tom mentioned, my interest in architecture goes way back. There was a time when I thought I could be an architect, where I expected to be more creative than I turned out, so I had to go into politics instead."

Portuguese Architect Eduardo Souto de Moura Wins 2011 Pritzker Prize

2011-03-28T13:39:00-04:00

Eduardo Souto de Moura from Porto, Portugal is the 2011 laureate of the Pritzker Prize, the professions highest honor. As a young architect, from 1974 to 1979, the now 58-year-old, worked in Alvaro Siza's office -- Siza having been the Pritzker Prize winner himself in 1992. This makes Moura the second Pritzker laureate to be chosen from Portugal.