2019 pritzker prize laureate arata isozaki passes away aged 91

japanese post-war architect arata isozaki passes away aged 91

Arata Isozaki, the famed Japanese architect who was the laureate of 46th Pritzker Prize, passed away at the age of 91 on 29th December 2022. The Japanese post-war architect was praised for his forward-thinking approach, deep commitment to the ‘art of space,’ and transnational methodology since the 1960s. His work has helped create a dialogue between the East and West, reinterpreting global influences within architecture, and supporting the development of younger generations in the field.

Portrait of Arata Isozaki (main image: floating goods revive arata isozaki’s original concrete building – read here)

Image courtesy of Pritzker Architecture Prize

the life of arata isozaki

Arata Isozaki graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1954, beginning his career as apprentice for the 1987 Pritzker laureate Kenzo Tange. He established Arata Isozaki & Associates in 1963 after the allied occupation had ended, as the country regained its sovereignty and was seeking physical rebuilding amidst political, economic and cultural uncertainty from the decimation of WWII.

Allianz Tower — designed with andrea maffei | read more about the project here

Image courtesy of Alessandra Chemollo

Isozaki’s avant-garde approach is fluid. His method adjusts in response to the needs and influences of each environment through a concept of interrelated time and form called ‘ma’. The results are buildings that appear geometrically simple, but are infused with theory and purpose. A connectivity between global universality and local identity is identifiable in his designs, thanks to comprehensive cross-cultural and interdisciplinary solutions that reflect deep sensitivity to specific contextual, environmental and societal needs.

Lucerne Festival Ark Nova — designed with anish kapoor | read more about the project here