the Japanese architect and 2024 Pritzker Prize winner:
Riken Yamamoto is renowned for his architectural projects that blur the boundaries between public and private spaces, emphasizing community and social interaction. His works, located in Japan, China, South Korea, and Switzerland, include private homes, residential complexes, schools, universities, museums, and fire stations. A key feature of his designs is the use of transparency, terraces, and balconies to encourage social engagement and foster a sense of belonging.
For example, in his personal residence, GAZEBO (1986, Yokohama), Yamamoto incorporated terraces and rooftops to invite neighbors to interact. Another project, Ishii House (1978, Kawasaki), designed for two artists, features a pavilion-like room that extends outward, serving as a stage for public performances. In larger projects like Hotakubo Housing (1991, Kumamoto) with 110 residential units, he created a central green space accessible only through the units, balancing privacy with social connectivity.
Yamamoto’s projects also utilize simple materials and modular structures, such as glass and steel, which are both aesthetic and functional. His philosophy centers on the idea that architecture should strengthen community rather than solely focus on individual privacy. This is evident in projects like the Yokosuka Museum of Art (2006) and Tianjin Library (2012), where he designs spaces that connect with nature and the surrounding environment.
His goal is to create opportunities for spontaneous encounters and reinforce a shared sense of community in living spaces. This approach has made him one of the most influential contemporary architects, as recognized by his 2024 Pritzker Prize, which honors his innovative designs that prioritize human connection and societal well-being.