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Architecture & Design
By Mario Canal
The 2025 Pritzker Prize Honors Architect Liu Jiakun: A Visionary of
Humanistic Design
Humanistic Design
Table of Contents
At 2:28 PM on May 11, 2008, a catastrophic earthquake, registering
a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale, struck the Sichuan province of
China, with its epicenter near Chengdu. The seismic shockwaves reverberated
as far as Shanghai and Beijing, over 600 miles away. The disaster claimed
the lives of approximately seventy thousand people. Among them was Huishan, a
15-year-old badminton enthusiast with aspirations of becoming a writer, who
perished when her school collapsed.
On may 15, I visited Juyuan’s high school for the first time. I think
that day I met Ming and Liu Li (the young woman’s parents), but I’m not
sure because I was in shock,
wrote architect
Liu Jiakun (1956) reflecting on the experience of walking
through the ruins.
As I remember now, I was moved by the careful consideration of Liu Li by
conserving the milk tooth of his daughter Huishan and the hardness and pride
of his father, Hu Ming.
Days later, Jiakun contacted the parents, expressing his desire to create a
memorial symbolizing the loss and helplessness caused by the earthquake. The
resulting structure, reminiscent of emergency shelters used after the
disaster, features a gray exterior contrasting with pink interior walls
displaying Huishan’s belongings.This moving tribute is considered by many
to be his most notable work, and a testament to the qualities that led
to him being awarded the 2025 Pritzker Prize for Architecture. This echoes
the sentiment behind Maya Lin’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.,
which also uses minimalist design to evoke powerful emotions.
Memory and humanism are central themes in jiakun’s work. The Pritzker Prize
committee has recognized a designer who stands in
stark contrast to the “starchitect” phenomenon, prioritizing
human connection and cultural context over ego-driven design. Jiakun’s
approach is akin to that of Frank Lloyd Wright, who emphasized organic
architecture that harmonized with its surroundings.
Jiakun’s multifaceted talent extends beyond architecture. He is also a poet,
a plastic artist, and a philosopher, whose book,
Bright Moonlight Plan, articulates his vision for human-centered,
lasting architecture deeply connected to nature.
His work can also be interpreted as a form of quiet political leadership.His thirty completed projects form a collection of lyrical narratives that
challenge contemporary urban alienation and advocate for more humane and
contextually integrated designs,
a departure from the monumental skyscrapers that dominate
many Chinese cityscapes. This resonates with the american architectural
debate surrounding the balance between iconic structures and community-focused
design.
An Architect Rooted in Tradition
Born in Chengdu in 1956, Liu Jiakun was immersed in an habitat where
architectural tradition and collective memory remained strong, despite the
destructive forces of Maoism and rapid modernization. Chengdu’s preservation
of its urban identity profoundly influenced Jiakun’s understanding of space.
He views architecture as a means of connecting with collective memory,
stating at the Venice Biennale,
It is not only a technique, but a way of telling stories. What we build
should reflect people’s lives, not just the ambitions of cities.
Influenced by
Chinese vernacular aesthetics, Jiakun’s buildings evoke the
simplicity and humility of brick construction, embodying values such as
solidity, durability, and the collaborative spirit of community building.
His designs often possess an informal quality, blurring the lines between
construction, ruin, and inhabitation, allowing users to shape the final
form.
West Village (2016), located in Chengdu, exemplifies traditional Chinese
life. This multi-story rectangular building features
a large interior enclosure with recreational and sports
facilities, fostering community interaction reminiscent of the Hutongs.
Courtyards with bamboo elements serve as gathering places for residents. The
design prioritizes livability over aesthetics, utilizing local materials,
integrating vegetation, and providing flexible spaces that adapt to the needs
of residents.
While West Village is one of Jiakun’s few residential complexes, he has
completed numerous educational and museum projects. A defining characteristic
of these projects is their seamless integration into the surrounding
landscape and culture. Jiakun’s design beliefs echoes Bruce Lee’s famous
quote:
Be water, my friend.
Jiakun stated in an interview,
I always aspire to be like water,to impregnate a place without carrying
my own fixed shape and to filter in the local environment and on the site
itself. Over time, water gradually solidifies, transforming into
architecture and perhaps even in the highest form of human spiritual
creation. However, it will still contain all the qualities of that place,
both good and bad.
Environmental consciousness is paramount in Jiakun’s work.His sensitivity
to context extends to both the users of his buildings and the materials
employed. he collaborates closely with local artisans,consulting them before
commencing a project.
Once I understand what the workers can do, so I can design my building.
Educational Museums and projects
The Sculpture Department of the Sichuan School of Fine Arts (2004) features
an oxidized tone achieved using local earth, allowing it to blend with the
surrounding campus buildings. The structure is characterized by a
multi-story design with strategically placed windows and square openings that
create a dynamic geometric rhythm and provide natural light and ventilation.
The interior spaces are designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of
students working on sculptural and artistic projects.
Jiakun’s museums are designed as
open spaces that encourage free movement and exploration. In
the Museum of watches of the Revolution in Jianchuan (2007), courtyards and
corridors connect different areas, enhancing the symbolic significance of the
spaces. An oculus in the roof allows natural light to enter, creating
shifting patterns of light and shadow that symbolize the passage of time.
the Luyuan Sculpture museum (2002) is a pavilion-like structure that
contrasts with its lush forest surroundings.The cubic concrete building
features exhibition rooms illuminated by geometric openings, creating a
dialog between the solid structure and the ephemeral light, highlighting
the buddhist sculptures on display.
In 2016, Liu Jiakun designed the Brick Museum of the Suzhou Imperial Oven.
The museum complex preserves ancient kilns, allowing visitors to visualize
the production of
“Gold Bricks” used in constructions such as the Forbidden
City in Beijing. The integration of existing semi-ruined structures with
modern elements creates a continuous narrative, showcasing the evolution of
brickmaking throughout history.
Jiakun’s connection to brick is particularly poignant. Following the Sichuan
earthquake, he found desolation and ruins. Recognizing the potential in the
destruction, he decided to reuse the rubble, mixing it with cement and local
wheat fiber to create
Renaissance bricks.
These bricks were used in the construction of West Village in 2016 and in the
memorial dedicated to Huishan, the young earthquake victim.
Jiakun is an architect, but also a poet, a politician, a philosopher, and
an artist. As he stated after being named the 2025 Pritzker Prize winner,
architecture
has the power to mold human behavior and create atmospheres, offering a
feeling of serenity and poetry, evoking compassion and mercy, and
cultivating a feeling of shared community.
Liu Jiakun’s selection for teh Pritzker Prize underscores a growing global appreciation for architecture that prioritizes human experience,cultural sensitivity,and environmental duty—a refreshing departure from the often-dominant trends of architectural sensationalism. His work provides a powerful counterpoint too the starchitect paradigm, emphasizing the vital role of architecture in fostering community and preserving cultural memory.
To further illustrate Jiakun’s impact, consider the following data summarizing key aspects of his work:
| Project | Year Completed | Key Features | Materials | design Ideology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huishan Memorial | post-2008 Earthquake | Memorial to earthquake victim; minimalist design; emotional impact. | Concrete, Pink Interior | Humanistic, Reflective of Loss |
| West Village | 2016 | Residential complex; communal spaces; integration of local life. | Brick, Bamboo, Local Materials | Community-focused; Vernacular Aesthetics. |
| Sculpture Department, Sichuan School of Fine Arts | 2004 | Flexible Interior; Geometric Light; Blending with Campus. | Oxidized Earth, Concrete | Adaptability, Contextual Harmony. |
| Museum of Watches of the Revolution, Jianchuan | 2007 | Open Spaces; Courtyards and Corridors; Oculus for Light | Concrete, Natural Light | Symbolic Narrative; Remembrance. |
| Luyuan Sculpture Museum | 2002 | pavilion-like structure; Concrete contrast with the lush forest. | Concrete | Dialogue between solid structure and ephemeral light; Contrast. |
| Brick Museum of the Suzhou Imperial Oven | 2016 | Preservation of Kilns; integration of Ruins; “Renaissance Bricks.” | Bricks, Concrete, Reclaimed Materials | Historical Narrative; Sustainability. |
Table: Key Projects of Liu Jiakun. This shows how his work spans a diverse range of projects all centered around humanistic design (credit: Jiakun Architects).
The above table illustrates the diversity and consistent human-centric approach of Jiakun’s architecture. His projects, from the poignant Huishan Memorial to the community-focused West Village, all demonstrate a commitment to incorporating local materials, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering a sense of belonging. This focus resonates deeply in an era where sustainable design and community well-being are increasingly vital considerations.
His influence extends beyond the built environment. Jiakun’s practice offers a paradigm shift, championing the principles of sustainable architecture and socially conscious design. His ability to blend practicality,artistry,and environmental responsibility sets him apart,positioning him as a leader for a new generation of architects.
Frequently asked Questions about Liu Jiakun and the 2025 Pritzker Prize
Here are some common questions and answers regarding Liu Jiakun’s work and the significance of the Pritzker Prize:
What is the Pritzker Prize?
The Pritzker Architecture Prize is an international award presented annually to recognize the contributions of a living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of talent,vision,and commitment,and who has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture. It is indeed frequently enough considered the highest honor in the field of architecture.
Why was Liu Jiakun awarded the Pritzker Prize?
Liu Jiakun was awarded the Prize for his humanistic approach to design, his sensitivity to cultural context, and his commitment to creating spaces that foster community and preserve memory. The committee recognized his ability to balance practicality, artistry, and environmental consciousness.
What are some of Liu Jiakun’s most famous works?
Some of his notable works include the Huishan Memorial, the West Village in Chengdu, the Sculpture Department of the Sichuan School of Fine Arts, the museum of Watches of the Revolution in Jianchuan, the Luyuan Sculpture Museum and the Brick Museum of the Suzhou Imperial Oven.
What is “humanistic design”?
Humanistic design prioritizes the human experience, cultural context, and emotional well-being of the users of a space. It focuses on creating environments that are comfortable,functional,and meaningful,fostering a sense of community and belonging.
How does Jiakun’s work differ from that of “starchitects”?
Jiakun’s work is characterized by its emphasis on community and cultural context, in direct contrast to “starchitects” who may prioritize iconic, ego-driven designs. Jiakun prefers integrating his designs with their surroundings and the needs of the people who will use them. Architects like Frank lloyd Wright have had similar influences on design, in their focus on the environment.
What materials does Liu Jiakun frequently use?
Jiakun frequently enough utilizes local materials. This includes brick, concrete, and bamboo, and he emphasizes the re-use of materials, such as rubble from the Sichuan earthquake, in his new designs.
Where can I learn more about Liu Jiakun’s work?
You can find more data on the official Pritzker Prize website, architectural journals, and websites dedicated to architecture and design. Jiakun Architects’ website and other online resources will also provide details and images of his projects.
Liu Jiakun’s Pritzker Prize victory isn’t just an acknowledgment of individual achievement; its a nod to a broader movement toward more thoughtful, people-focused, and contextually relevant architecture. His impact promises to resonate for years to come, shaping the built environment for the betterment of society. His work underscores the critical role of architecture in weaving together the threads of culture, memory, and community, creating spaces that truly resonate with the human spirit.
