Chinese architect Liu Jiakun has been awarded the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize for his ability to create spaces that celebrate everyday life. Considered the most prestigious award in global architecture, the Pritzker Prize recognizes Liu as its 54th laureate.
This year’s jury, chaired by Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena, highlighted Liu’s dedication to people-centered design. Throughout his four-decade career, he has prioritized community needs and cultural identity. He is the third Chinese architect to receive the honor, following IM Pei and Wang Shu.
A Career Rooted in Purpose
Born in Chengdu in 1956, Liu began studying architecture in 1978 at Chongqing University. After graduating in 1982, he joined the Chengdu Architectural Design and Research Institute. In 1999, he founded Jiakun Architects, completing over 30 projects in his home city.
His work includes the Luyeyuan Stone Sculpture Art Museum, the Museum of Cultural Revolution Clocks, and the West Village mixed-use complex. These projects emphasize simplicity, adaptability, and integration with their surroundings.
Liu, also a writer, believes storytelling and architecture share common ground. His designs often carry a poetic, narrative quality that enhances the connection between buildings and their users.
Global Impact and Lasting Legacy
Beyond China, Liu’s influence extends worldwide. In 2018, he designed the first Serpentine Pavilion outside the UK, further elevating his international profile. His books, I Built in West China? and The Conception of Brightmoon, explore his design philosophy and experiences.
The Pritzker jury praised Liu’s ability to balance density with livability, creating spaces that foster community. His work reflects both historical and modern influences, bridging tradition with contemporary design.
This year’s jury included past laureates Anne Lacaton and Kazuyo Sejima, along with architecture historian Barry Bergdoll and Yale School of Architecture dean Deborah Berke. Liu’s recognition affirms his role as a transformative figure in architecture, shaping the future of built environments with a deep respect for culture and place.