Chinese architect Liu Jiakun has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Pritzker Prize, often referred to as the “Nobel of architecture.” Liu’s work, known for its understated elegance and deep integration with local culture, marks a departure from the grandiose, signature-driven designs that have often characterized past laureates. Instead, he embraces a philosophy that prioritizes place, history, and people over personal style.
A Journey Rooted in Experience
Born in Chengdu in 1956, Liu Jiakun’s early years were shaped by political turmoil. As a teenager, he was sent to labor in the countryside during China’s Cultural Revolution, an experience that left him feeling directionless. However, he found purpose in architecture, a field that allowed him to merge artistic expression with public service.
After graduating from the Chongqing Institute of Architecture and Engineering in 1982, Liu worked for the state-owned Chengdu Architectural Design and Research Institute.
In 1999, he founded Jiakun Architects in Chengdu, a firm that has since completed over 30 projects across China. His work spans academic buildings, cultural institutions, and public spaces, all characterized by their responsiveness to their environments.
A Strategy Over a Style
Liu’s approach to architecture is distinct in that he actively avoids a recognizable style. Instead of imposing a fixed aesthetic, he allows each site to dictate its design, using local materials and simple construction techniques. He refers to his philosophy as being “like water,” adapting fluidly to the needs and conditions of each project.
The Pritzker Prize jury recognized this approach, praising Liu for having “a strategy instead of a style.” Jury chairman Alejandro Aravena noted that Liu’s work provides “impactful clues on how to confront the challenges of urbanization” while avoiding “endless dull peripheries.” His projects seamlessly integrate architecture with infrastructure, landscape, and public space.
Notable Works and Innovations
One of Liu’s most poignant projects is the Memorial to Hu Huishan, dedicated to a 15-year-old girl who perished in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Built on the grounds of the Jianchuan Museum Cluster, the memorial resembles a relief tent, with pink walls displaying some of the teenager’s personal belongings.
Liu also developed the rebirth brick, composed of earthquake rubble mixed with wheat stalks and cement, symbolizing resilience and renewal.
His 2015 project West Village in Chengdu is a testament to his human-centric urban design. The five-story courtyard complex, designed for cultural, athletic, and commercial use, harmonizes with its surroundings.
Indigenous bamboo groves provide natural shade, and pathways allow for seamless pedestrian and cyclist movement, fostering a sense of community.
Liu’s Luyeyuan Stone Sculpture Art Museum (Chengdu, 2002) integrates water, ancient stones, and traditional craftsmanship to create a contemplative environment for Buddhist relics. His Shuijingfang Museum (2013) preserves a 600-year-old baijiu distillery while maintaining the scale of surrounding low-rise buildings.
A Legacy of Thoughtful Design
Liu Jiakun’s recognition with the Pritzker Prize signifies a shift in architectural priorities, favoring contextual sensitivity over ostentatious statement-making. His work is a reminder that architecture is not just about buildings but about fostering connections—between people, history, and the environment.
As Liu himself puts it, “I want my architecture to be public and to better people’s lives.” With this philosophy, he has not only shaped China’s architectural landscape but also set a global example of design that is both humble and profoundly impactful.