The Subtle Wisdom of Good Architecture, Beyond the Prize

The validity and meaning of global prizes are often questioned. The results rarely please everyone, the selection criteria can be unclear, and sometimes the focus falls on places or figures that don’t seem the most relevant at the time. Yet, there are moments when these awards surprise us—shedding light on something new, revealing an overlooked aspect of a well-known figure, or bringing recognition to someone who has been quietly making a meaningful impact. In doing so, they allow us to discover quiet revolutions behind celebrated architecture. That’s how we feel about the Pritzker Prize.

Each year, we choose to welcome the announcement of its winner with an open mind, hoping for a new spark of knowledge—a breath of fresh air. We’re less concerned with who wins and more interested in the added value their work can offer us, as fellow architects.

In recent years, this mindset has led us to explore how Lacaton & Vassal (2021 winners) frame life without imposing on it, through design honesty and the use of simple yet thoughtful materials. How Francis Kéré (2022 laureate) creates ingenious passive strategies with available elements to face local climate challenges. Or how Riken Yamamoto (2024 laureate) harnesses the qualities of materials to create blurred boundaries that encourage interaction and connection between people and their surroundings.

This 2025, as a reminder that no one is immune to sudden catastrophes, we discover Liu Jiakun’s meticulous work in material repurposing—transforming the remnants of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake into an opportunity for rebirth.

Want to keep exploring the lesser-known strategies of these and other past winners? Below, you’ll find a selection of articles on the topic. See you in the next edition!

José Tomás Franco, Head of Brands & Materials en DAAily Platforms

Liu Jiakun and the Reinvention of Tradition in Chinese Architecture

Experience Liu Jiakun's unique architectural philosophy that respects history and nature, fostering community through design and materiality.

Blurred Boundaries: Exploring Transparency in Riken Yamamoto's Architecture

Riken Yamamoto's Pritzker Prize-winning architectural style is characterized by transparency, integration, and challenging spatial concepts through materiality.

How Does Francis Kéré use Materials to Respond to Local Climate Conditions?

According to the use of traditional materials and construction techniques, we analyze some notable projects by Francis Kéré, winner of the 2022 Pritzker Prize.

Translucency & Raw Materials: A Brief Analysis of Lacaton & Vassal's Solutions

The French couple's award raises some questions about how accurate their choices are for the current moment in the world.

Contrast, Cleanliness, Regularity: Material Strategies in David Chipperfield's Museums

David Chipperfield's museums make powerful statements without being obtrusive, and this is reflected in their materials and the construction solutions used.