2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize Winner Laureate Riken Yamamoto Speaks About His Objectives; Designs Structures ‘To Bring Joy’

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:08 JST, March 8, 2024

Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto, who has been named the winner of the 2024 U.S. Pritzker Architecture Prize, spoke about his design objectives during a visit to the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Tokyo on Thursday.

“I’ve long designed architecture that can bring joy to people around it,” Yamamoto, 78, told reporters. “I want to keep creating architecture with this objective in mind.”

Yamamoto’s works are characterized by his use of lattice structures and glass walls.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel praised Yamamoto, saying that he has created spaces that brings people together despite divisions.

Yamamoto, who is the ninth Japanese Pritzker Prize laureate, said that he received thanks from teachers at a Yokohama elementary school which he designed. “I was as happy as when I received the prize,” he said.

An award ceremony for the prize will be held in Chicago this spring.