Liu Jiakun, the founder of Jiakun Architects, was named the 54th laureate of the prestigious award. His designs stand out for their ability to “celebrate the everyday lives of people” while seamlessly integrating public spaces into dense urban environments.
Exclusively working in China, Liu has developed projects that span academic institutions, cultural landmarks, civic spaces, and commercial buildings. His largest work, West Village in Chengdu, is a multi-use development centered around a vibrant courtyard. Another notable project, the Department of Sculpture at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, features an angular structure that expands outward to maximize space.
A Jury’s Perspective on Liu Jiakun’s Impact
Liu was selected by a jury led by Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena, the 2016 Pritzker Prize laureate. Explaining their decision, Aravena highlighted Liu’s approach to urban design:
“Cities tend to segregate functions, but Liu Jiakun takes the opposite approach and sustains a delicate balance to integrate all dimensions of urban life. In a world that tends to create endless dull peripheries, he has found a way to build places that are a building, infrastructure, landscape, and public space at the same time.”
Now, let’s explore 11 of Liu Jiakun’s most remarkable works.
1. Luyeyuan Stone Sculpture Art Museum (2002, Chengdu)
Set within a bamboo forest, this museum features exposed concrete walls that create a minimalist backdrop for stone relics. Large openings reduce the need for artificial lighting, allowing natural light to enhance the space.
2. Department of Sculpture, Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (2004, Chongqing)
Designed with rust-toned panels inspired by surrounding buildings, this structure stands out for its protruding upper levels. The design maximizes interior space while maintaining a striking geometric form.
3. Design Department, Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (2006, Chongqing)
This university department consists of seven interconnected brick buildings. Liu designed a mix of vaulted, pitched, and butterfly roofs to harmonize with the industrial landscape while incorporating outdoor spaces.
4. Museum of Clocks, Jianchuan Museum Cluster (2007, Chengdu)
Part of the Jianchuan Museum Cluster, this museum houses a collection of timepieces within three geometric brick-and-concrete exhibition halls. A circular structure with a large roof opening adds a unique architectural feature.
5. Hu Huishan Memorial (2009, Sichuan)
Built after the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake, this memorial honors a 15-year-old victim. The exterior resembles a relief tent, symbolizing temporary shelter. Inside, a pink bedroom—visible only through a peephole—preserves the girl’s memory.
6. Shuijingfang Museum (2013, Chengdu)
Blending old and new, this museum integrates contemporary concrete structures with preserved wood-framed buildings. A spacious courtyard enhances the open, inviting design.
7. Novartis Shanghai (2014, Shanghai)
Drawing from classical Chinese architecture, Liu designed cantilevered balconies that wrap around this six-story office building. Inside, a vertical atrium connects flexible workspaces with leisure areas, a garden, and a courtyard.
8. West Village (2015, Chengdu)
Liu’s largest project, West Village, spans an entire city block. Its design fosters community interaction, featuring cultural, recreational, and office spaces linked by pedestrian and cyclist-friendly pathways.
9. Suzhou Museum of Imperial Kiln Brick (2016, Suzhou)
Preserving historical ruins, this museum’s structure rests on large concrete columns. Its three-story layout includes gallery spaces and a rooftop exhibition area that connects past and present.
10. Songyang Culture Neighborhood (2020, Lishui)
This revitalization project transformed a former spiritual and cultural hub into a dynamic public space. The complex now features a museum, hotel, café, and bookstore, all linked by newly constructed steel corridors.
11. Renovation of Tianbao Cave District of Erlang Town (2021, Erlang Town)
Designed to restore a former liquor production site, this project immerses visitors in a coastal landscape. The cultural center includes a mirrored exhibition hall and a cantilevered reception area overlooking the scenery.
A Lasting Influence in Architecture
Liu Jiakun’s body of work showcases his commitment to blending architecture, public space, and urban culture. His designs do not merely function as buildings—they serve as social infrastructure, fostering engagement and community interaction.
His Pritzker Prize recognition reaffirms the significance of his work, ensuring that his architectural philosophy will inspire future generations.