5 Iconic Projects of Liu Jiakun: 2025 Pritzker winner

Introduction

This tutorial highlights the architectural brilliance of Liu Jiakun, the 2025 Pritzker Prize laureate. By exploring five of his iconic projects, you will gain insights into his design philosophy, which emphasizes community, heritage, and harmony with nature. This guide will help you appreciate how Liu Jiakun's work reshapes spaces and fosters connections between people and their environments.

Step 1: Explore West Village, Chengdu

• Overview: Designed in 2015, West Village is an urban hub that integrates cultural venues, sports facilities, and communal spaces.
• Key Features:
  • Emphasizes community interaction and a sense of belonging.
  • Incorporates local culture into its design elements.
• Practical Advice: When designing communal spaces, consider how different facilities can encourage social interaction and community engagement.

Step 2: Visit Sichuan Fine Arts Institute Department of Sculpture, Chongqing

• Overview: Completed in 2004, this project is a sculptural landmark that harmonizes art with its environment.
• Key Features:
  • Utilizes local materials to create an innovative architectural statement.
  • Blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
• Practical Advice: Focus on using local resources in your designs to reflect the cultural context and reduce environmental impact.

Step 3: Discover Museum of Clocks, Chengdu

• Overview: Built in 2007, this unique museum combines concrete and red brick, creating a timeless and interactive space.
• Key Features:
  • Designed to interact with natural light, enhancing visitor experience.
  • Represents a modern approach to museum architecture.
• Practical Advice: Consider how light interacts with your design to create ambiance and enhance functionality.

Step 4: Reflect at Hu Huishan Memorial

• Overview: This memorial serves as a poignant tribute to earthquake victims, characterized by its emotional and simple cement relief.
• Key Features:
  • Calls attention to the importance of memory and healing through architecture.
  • Uses minimalism to evoke strong emotional responses.
• Practical Advice: In memorial designs, aim for simplicity that allows space for contemplation and remembrance.

Step 5: Investigate Renovation of Tianbao Cave District, Luzhou

• Overview: Completed in 2021, this renovation blends ancient caves with modern architecture, showcasing Liu Jiakun's commitment to sustainability.
• Key Features:
  • Respects the historical significance of the caves while introducing contemporary elements.
  • Focuses on sustainable design practices.
• Practical Advice: When working with historical sites, ensure that new designs respect and enhance the existing heritage rather than overshadow it.

Conclusion

Liu Jiakun's work exemplifies how architecture can create meaningful spaces that prioritize community, sustainability, and cultural heritage. By studying his iconic projects, we can learn valuable lessons about integrating design with the environment and the community's needs. As you explore architectural projects, consider how these principles can inform your designs and foster deeper connections within your own community.