Chinese Architect Liu Jiakun Awarded 2025 Pritzker Prize
Liu Jiakun has received the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize, recognizing his impactful contributions to architecture. Born in Chengdu, China, Liu combines his passions for writing and architecture, allowing for a unique perspective in his designs. His projects, such as the West Village complex and his work with “rebirth bricks,” showcase a deep respect for cultural heritage and an innovative approach to modern architecture.
Chinese architect Liu Jiakun has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize, esteemed as architecture’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize. Born in Chengdu, Sichuan province in 1956, Liu grew up near a large hospital where his mother worked, which inspired his connection to urban spaces. His early explorations of the city shaped his understanding of traditional architecture, fostering a passion for both architecture and writing, as he sought to express himself creatively in multiple ways.
Graduating in 1982, Liu began his career at a state-owned architecture firm in Tibet, balancing his architectural responsibilities with a passion for writing. In a recent interview with NPR, he reflected on the parallels between the two disciplines, appreciating how both require observation of societal behavior and storytelling through structural design. This synergy between writing and architecture informs his approach to creating meaningful spaces that resonate with cultural themes.
Notable projects led by Liu include the West Village commercial complex in Chengdu, which integrates contemporary elements with public utility, incorporating pathways and spaces for pedestrian engagement. His work has been recognized in various exhibitions, including a 2020 showcase at the Savannah College of Art and Design that highlighted his ability to merge traditional Chinese culture with modern architectural practices.
Beyond commercial structures, Liu has designed civic buildings, museums, and even a panda maternity ward at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. His designs maintain a respect for history and nature, thereby offering a fresh interpretation of classic Chinese architecture, notably seen in his modern building for the Novartis pharmaceutical company in Shanghai, which features traditional motifs like tiered balconies.
Liu’s architectural philosophy emphasizes adaptability and locality; he likened his work to water, suggesting that architecture should emerge organically from its environment while retaining its essence. His innovative “rebirth bricks,” made from rubble following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, serve to demonstrate his commitment to sustainability and his attentiveness to his community’s historical narratives. Such bricks symbolize resilience and serve as a reminder that even amidst destruction, opportunities for creation can arise.
In summary, Liu Jiakun’s recognition as the 2025 Pritzker Prize laureate underscores his significant contributions to contemporary architecture, characterized by a deep respect for cultural history and an integration of traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern design principles. His innovative approach not only enriches the architectural landscape but also embraces sustainability and community, reflecting the essence of his creative practice.
Original Source: www.wxxinews.org
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