Words Gabrielle de la Cruz and The Pritzker Architecture Prize
Images and Information Pritzker Architecture Prize and Riken Yamamoto
“It was very dark, but I could see the wooden tower illuminated by the light of the moon and what I found at that moment was my first experience with architecture,” recalls Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto on how he was captivated by the Kôfuku-ji Temple, in Nara, Japan, a “five-storied Pagoda symbolizing the five Buddhist elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space.” He was only 17 when he visited the temple and is now, as of today, the 2024 Pritzker Prize Laureate.
Born in Beijing, China, Yamamoto only relocated to Yokohama, Japan after the end of World War II. His biography on the Pritzker Prize website shares that he was born to an engineer father who sadly passed away when he was five years old, and initially “sought to emulate his father’s career,” but later found his own calling. Yamamoto graduated from Nihon University, Department of Architecture, College of Science and Technology in 1968 and received a Master of Arts in Architecture from Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Architecture in 1971. He founded his practice, Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop in 1973.
Among the highlights of Yamamoto’s early career was his journey across countries and continents by car with his mentor, Hiroshi Hara, “spending months at a time in pursuit of understanding communities, cultures, and civilizations.” This led to his projects that showcase the boundaries between public and private realms “as societal opportunities,” with his works ranging from private residences to public housing, educational institutions, civic spaces, and more. Included in his well-rounded portfolio are Hotakubo Housing (1991), Saitama Prefectural University (1999), Yokosuka Museum of Art (2006), and Tianjin Library (2012). His own home, GAZEBO (1986), is also considered one of his most iconic works, with the residence’s terraces and rooftops encouraging interactions within the neighborhood.
The architect’s passion for his craft is undeniable. His biography reveals that “in the aftermath of Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami, he established Local Area Republic Labo, an institute dedicated to community activities through architectural design; and instituted the Local Republic Award in 2018 to honor young architects who act with courage and ideals towards the future.” He is also an educator and is a newly appointed visiting professor at Kanagawa University in Yokohama. He also previously taught at Tokyo University of the Arts (Tokyo, Japan 2022-2024); Nihon University, Graduate School of Engineering (Tokyo, Japan 2011-2013); Yokohama National University, Graduate School of Architecture (Yokohama, Japan 2007-2011); Kogakuin University, Department of Architecture (Tokyo, Japan 2002-2007); and served as the President of Nagoya Zokei University of Art and Design (Nagoya, Japan 2018-2022).
“He was appointed Academician by the International Academy of Architecture (2013),” the Pritzker Prize further shares. The architect has also received numerous distinctions throughout his career: Japan Institute of Architects Award for the Yokosuka Museum of Art (2010), Public Buildings Prize (2004 and 2006), Good Design Gold Award (2004 and 2005), Prize of the Architectural Institute of Japan (1988 and 2002), Japan Arts Academy Award (2001), and Mainichi Art Awards (1998).
Yamamoto continues to practice and reside in Yokohama. His built works can be found throughout Japan, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Korea, and Switzerland. He will be honored in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America this spring and the 2024 Laureate Lecture will be held at S. R. Crown Hall, Illinois Institute of Technology, in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Center, on May 16th, open to the public in-person and online. •
