Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa to receive RIBA 2025 Royal Gold Medal - PRAGMATIKA.MEDIA

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that the founders of SANAA, Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryu Nishizawa, will be the recipients of the RIBA Royal Gold Medal 2025. The award is presented in recognition of the significant contribution of an individual or group of individuals to the development of world architecture. The RIBA celebrates SANAA's contribution to shaping modern architecture through simplicity, light and elegance of design.

According to the RIBA 2025 Awards Committee, SANAA's work has helped create "a universal architectural language that resonates with people around the world."

New Museum of Contemporary Art (USA), designed by SANAA. Photo: Dean Kaufman

The institute emphasizes a balance of innovation and sensitivity to the local environment, demonstrating how architecture can be functional and elegant while creating an atmosphere of tranquility in today's complex world, reported the Archdaily.

Sydney Modern Museum in Australia (2022). Photo: Iwan Ban

SANAA was also recognised for its focus on inclusivity and accessibility, with the RIBA praising the studio's use of transparency and natural light, which helps to integrate the buildings into their surroundings and strengthen connections between people.

SANAA's projects have been implemented in many countries and cover a wide range of cultural and institutional buildings. Among the most famous works are the New Museum in New York and the Rolex Learning Center in Lausanne. RIBA emphasizes their ability to be sensitive to local context, combining minimalist exteriors with thoughtful interiors that harmoniously balance simplicity and complexity.

Rolex Learning Center in Lausanne. Photo: SANAA

Other SANAA landmark projects include:

Dior Omotesando store in Japan (2003);
2004st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa (XNUMX);
Zollverein School of Design in Germany (2006);
Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in the UK (2009);
Louvre-Lens Museum in France (2012);
Grace Farms Cultural Center in the USA (2015);
Sydney Modern Museum in Australia (2022).

La Samaritaine shopping center in Paris. Photo: SANAA

Louvre-Lens Museum in France. Photo: SANAA

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa. Photo: SANAA

Grace Farms Cultural Center in the USA. Photo: Iwan Ban

Sports complex, Japan. Photo: SANAA

Tsuruoka Cultural Center, Japan. Photo: SANAA

Bocconi University, Italy. Photo: SANAA

“We have always believed that architecture can transform and enhance the environment, helping us interact with nature and with each other. Throughout our careers, we have strived to create spaces that bring people together and inspire shared learning and living,” said architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryu Nishizawa.

Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryu Nishizawa to receive RIBA Royal Gold Medal 2025

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