Chengdu, China – Chinese architect and educator Liu Jiakun has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize, the highest honor in the field of architecture. Known for blending traditional Chinese elements with contemporary design and emphasizing social equity in the built environment, Liu Jiakun is the second Chinese architect to receive this accolade after Wang Shu in 2012. His firm, Jiakun Architects, established in 1999, has been recognized for its innovative approach to architecture.
Liu Jiakun’s work focuses on harmonizing collective and individual spaces, creating environments that evoke empathy and emotional connections with both the architecture and the community. By incorporating cultural, historical, and natural elements into his designs, Liu Jiakun creates a sense of familiarity and integration with the surroundings. His use of raw materials and appreciation for imperfections in construction reflect a commitment to honesty in expressing the architectural process.
Born in Chengdu in 1956, Liu Jiakun’s journey to becoming an architect was unconventional. After initially considering abandoning architecture, a pivotal moment at a classmate’s exhibition reignited his passion and led him to establish Jiakun Architects in 1999. Apart from his architectural achievements, Liu Jiakun is also a prolific writer, exploring themes of utopia, human experience, and design narratives in his published works.
Liu Jiakun’s architectural philosophy seeks to balance utopian ideals with everyday reality, rejecting oppositions like history and modernity, collectivism and individual expression. His designs prioritize human-centered approaches that foster a sense of community and belonging. By integrating public spaces into his projects, Liu Jiakun challenges the conventional understanding of density while promoting openness and community interaction.
An advocate for using locally sourced materials and embracing imperfections in construction, Liu Jiakun’s work reflects a deep connection to the environment and context. His commitment to sustainability is evident in projects like the Clock Museum at the Jianchuan Museum Settlement and the Cultural Communication Center of the Three Temples of Songyang. Through his designs, Liu Jiakun demonstrates a profound understanding of place, empowering communities and weaving tradition with modernity.
The 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize jury highlighted Liu Jiakun’s innovative approach to density, sustainable design, and community empowerment as key reasons for his selection. His ability to reimagine public spaces, integrate historical themes, and balance individual and collective identities has earned him international recognition. Liu Jiakun’s work embodies a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and social consciousness, making him a deserving recipient of the prestigious award.