This year’s most prestigious prize in architecture was awarded to Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto, whose works foster a sense of community and collective life
On March 5, 2024, Riken Yamamoto became the latest Japanese architect to receive the prestigious Pritzker Prize. This marks the ninth time a Japanese architect has been honoured with the “Nobel of Architecture” in its 45-year history, solidifying Japan’s unrivalled position as the country with the most Pritzker Prize laureates.
Yamamoto, 78, was perhaps not the most obvious choice as the architect is more known for his understated yet socially conscious designs than the more fashionable avant-garde work. With a career spanning five decades, the architect has crafted buildings that prioritise community interaction and cohesion. From his iconic Hiroshima fire station, featuring glass louvres for public viewing of firefighter training, to his innovative housing projects inspired by traditional Japanese collectivism, Yamamoto’s work reflects a deep understanding of the relationship between public and private spaces.
Despite not conforming to the flashy trends of contemporary architecture, Yamamoto’s designs emphasise functionality and social impact. His approach, rooted in careful observation of surroundings and community needs, has earned him recognition for creating spaces that foster connection and dignity in everyday life. Indeed, the Pritzker jury commended Yamamoto for his ability to transform ordinary environments into extraordinary communal spaces, embodying a quiet yet profound ethos of architectural excellence.
Read on for five key projects by Yamamoto.
Read more: House tour: Inside Kenzo Takada’s Japanese-style Parisian home, designed by Kengo Kuma
1. Hotakubo Housing, Japan, 1991
Yamamoto’s inaugural social housing endeavour, situated in Kumamoto, drew inspiration from the communal dynamics of traditional Machiya residences.
Comprising 110 units, the development encircles a verdant central square, solely accessible through the residences. This fosters a collective spirit while upholding individual privacy.
