Breakthrough Recognition: Liu Jiakun, the Visionary Chinese Architect, Awarded the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize

Chinese architect Liu Jiakun has been honored with the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize. This award is the top recognition in the field of architecture. Liu is recognized for his unique ability to merge traditional Chinese architecture with modern design principles and for his focus on making spaces accessible to everyone. He is based in Chengdu, China, where he founded Jiakun Architects in 1999. Liu is the second Chinese architect to earn this distinction, following Wang Shu, who won the award in 2012.

Some notable past laureates include David Chipperfield (2023) and Francis Kéré (2022). Liu’s award ceremony is scheduled for this spring at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel. A video of the presentation will be available later this year, followed by a lecture series in May.

Liu Jiakun’s work goes beyond aesthetics. His designs create spaces that encourage interaction and emotional connections among users. He combines cultural, historical, and natural elements, ensuring that his structures blend seamlessly into their environments. His use of raw materials and acceptance of imperfections reflect the authenticity of his creative process.

Born in 1956 in Chengdu, Liu’s journey to architecture began at Chongqing University, where he earned a degree in 1982. Early in his career, he contributed to rebuilding China following the Cultural Revolution. Although he briefly considered leaving architecture, an exhibition by classmate Tang Hua reignited his passion. Liu has since developed a varied design philosophy, collaborating with many creative minds.

In addition to his architectural projects, Liu is also an accomplished author. He has published works discussing themes such as utopia and the human experience, including titles like “The Conception of Brightmoon” and “Narrative Discourse and Low-Tech Strategy.” Through these writings, he shares insights that deeply inform his architectural vision.

Liu’s philosophy emphasizes the harmony between collective and individual spaces. He believes that architecture should enhance people’s daily lives while addressing local cultural and social contexts. This approach can be seen in projects like the Songyang Culture Neighborhood, where design decisions foster a sense of belonging and community.

Contrary to the common notion that density impairs openness, Liu demonstrates that urban environments can be designed to foster connection. His Xicun Compound in Chengdu includes pedestrian-friendly paths that encourage community engagement. With innovative designs like the Sculpture Department Building at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Liu shows that even compact spaces can be both functional and communal.

What sets Liu apart is his commitment to authenticity in materials. He often uses locally sourced and recycled materials, such as bricks made from rubble left by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. This practice reflects his belief in “building for the community,” allowing structures not just to stand but to resonate with their surroundings.

Liu Jiakun’s extensive portfolio includes diverse projects across China, from museums to educational institutions, highlighting his adaptability and innovation. His work has been showcased internationally, earning him numerous awards and recognition in architectural circles. Currently, he serves as a visiting professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing.

In selecting Liu for the Pritzker Prize, the jury highlighted his ability to empower communities through architecture. They noted his skill in weaving tradition with modernity and addressing social and environmental challenges. Liu’s versatility and commitment to meaningful design have positioned him as a transformative figure in contemporary architecture.

With a career spanning over four decades, Liu Jiakun not only shapes the built environment but also enhances the daily lives of those who inhabit it. As cities evolve, his work offers valuable insights into how architecture can harmonize with both people and nature, making Liu a worthy recipient of the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize.

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