Chilean architect Smiljan Radić recently won the prestigious Pritzker Prize, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of architecture. This award recognizes his innovative designs, including a unique doughnut-shaped pavilion in London and a restaurant propped up by boulders in Santiago.
Radić’s work might seem unconventional, even unfinished to some, but the prize’s jury praised it for its uplifting and joyful qualities. He’s now the fifth Latin American architect to achieve this honor since the award’s inception in 1979, which has celebrated many renowned figures in the field.
Radić, 60, has a firm founded in 1995 and has completed over 60 projects across various locations, although many are in Chile. His notable works include the Teatro Regional del Bíobío, a performing arts venue in Concepción that glows warmly at night thanks to its translucent facade. He also expanded the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art in Santiago seamlessly, blending modern elements with its 18th-century charm.
What sets Radić apart is his thoughtful approach to materials, often integrating them with their natural surroundings. For example, at Restaurant Mestizo, large local stones support the roof, while the Pite House in Papudo appears to emerge from the rocky terrain.
In a recent conversation, Radić emphasized how the context of a site influences his material choices. He believes that understanding the cultural and historical significance of materials is crucial for creating relevant and impactful architecture.
Radić gained recognition on the global stage when he designed the Serpentine Pavilion in London in 2014. This structure enveloped visitors in a cocoon-like space, inviting them to experience architecture from a novel perspective. The favorable reception of this project significantly boosted his career.
Since then, he has worked on projects in various countries, including the U.S., where he designed a flagship store for Alexander McQueen. He is also currently involved in several projects across Europe.
Despite his varied portfolio, Radić intentionally avoids a signature style. He prefers to allow each project to dictate its own design, creating spaces that provoke thought about materiality and memory.
This year marks a decade since Alejandro Aravena, another renowned Chilean architect, won the Pritzker Prize. Aravena believes Radić’s achievement will inspire and unify Latin American architects in their pursuit of architectural excellence.
While the award’s announcement faced a temporary delay owing to controversies surrounding the Pritzker family, Radić remained focused on architecture. He stated, “For more than 30 years, my obsession has been architecture.” He will receive a $100,000 grant and a bronze medal at an upcoming ceremony.
Smiljan Radić’s approach not only challenges design norms but also enriches the architectural narrative, shining a spotlight on Chile’s unique contributions to the global landscape.
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