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David Chipperfield Receives the 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize

David Chipperfield, an accomplished British architect, has been named the winner of the 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most prestigious award in architecture. Chipperfield, who is known for his minimalist style and his focus on cultural and civic projects, is the fourth architect from the United Kingdom to win the prize.

Born in London in 1953, Chipperfield began his architectural studies at Kingston School of Art before moving on to the Architectural Association in London. He then worked at a number of notable firms, including Norman Foster and Richard Rogers, before starting his own practice in 1984.

David Chipperfield, the 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate
David Chipperfield, the 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate

Over the course of his career, Chipperfield has completed a number of significant projects around the world, including the River and Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames, England, the Museum of Modern Literature in Marbach, Germany, and the Des Moines Public Library in Des Moines, Iowa. He has also been involved in a number of restoration projects, including the renovation of the Neues Museum in Berlin and the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

Des Moines Public Library, Iowa, USA, 2002-2006, 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize
Des Moines Public Library, Iowa, USA, 2002-2006

Chipperfield’s work is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, as well as its sensitivity to the cultural and historical context of the places where he works. He has a particular interest in public buildings, and has said that he sees his role as an architect as being to “create places that enrich people’s lives”.

2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize - Royal Academy Renovation, London, UK, 2008-2018
Royal Academy Renovation, London, UK, 2008-2018

One of Chipperfield’s most notable projects is the Hepworth Wakefield art gallery in Yorkshire, England. The gallery, which was completed in 2011, is named after the British sculptor Barbara Hepworth, and is designed to showcase her work as well as the work of other modern and contemporary artists. The building is constructed of concrete and brick, and features a series of interlocking volumes that are designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.

2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize - Hepworth Wakefield Art Gallery, West Yorkshire, UK, 2003-2011
Hepworth Wakefield Art Gallery, West Yorkshire, UK, 2003-2011

Another notable project is the James Simon Galerie, a new entrance building for the Museum Island complex in Berlin, which was completed in 2019. The building, which is located between the Neues Museum and the Pergamon Museum, is designed to provide a welcoming and accessible entrance to the complex, while also serving as a new home for the museum’s ticketing and visitor services.

2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize - New Entrance Building for the Museum Island complex, Berlin, Germany, 2018
New Entrance Building for the Museum Island complex, Berlin, Germany, 2018

Chipperfield’s work has been recognized with a number of awards over the years, including the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2011. He has also been involved in a number of academic and cultural initiatives, and has served as a visiting professor at a number of universities around the world.


In addition to his architectural work, Chipperfield is also a prolific writer and commentator on architecture and urbanism. He has published several books on the subject and has spoken at a number of conferences and events around the world.


Chipperfield is a worthy winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and his contributions to the field of architecture will undoubtedly continue to shape the built environment for years to come. Congratulations to David Chipperfield on this well-deserved honor.

The Pritzker Award Winner 2022

Diébédo Francis Kéré, the 2022 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate

This year we congratulate Diébédo Francis Kéré on becoming the first African Architect to win the prestigious Pritzker Award.

Born in Burkina Faso in 1965, one of the world’s least educated countries, lacking in fresh clean drinking water, electricity and infrastructure, Diébédo Francis Kéré was the oldest son of the village chief and the first in his community to attend school. In 1985 Kéré received a vocational carpentry scholarship which took him to Berlin, Germany. And in 1995 he was awarded another scholarship to Technische Universität where he received an advanced degree in Architecture, graduating in 2004. Kéré founded Kéré Architects in 2005. Although based in Berlin, Kéré’s work took him worldwide completing projects in the United Kingdom, the United States and many areas around Africa and of course including his home country of Burkina Faso.

Gando Primary School, 2001, Burkina Faso

While studying in Berlin, Kéré started raising money to Build the Gando Primary School, in his home town, Burkina Faso. This was his first major project and held personal importance to him. Inspired by the terrible conditions he endured as a kid in class, Kéré used his newfound architectural knowledge to create much better learning conditions for the next generation. Built with the help of the local villagers, the School was completed in 2001, awarding Kéré with the Aga Khan Award for architecture in 2004.

Lycée Schorge Secondary School, 2017, Burkina Faso

Another example of Kéré passion for improving Burkina Faso schooling facilities is the Lycée Schorge Secondary School, 2017. Built just outside of Koudougou, Burkina Faso. Arranged in the shape of a C by 9 connected modules around a central courtyard holding classrooms, an administration office and a dental clinic. Constructed using locally sourced materials like the Laterite stone which is cut easily when removed from the earth and left in the sun to harden. The secondary facade is constructed of locally sourced Eucalyptus wood and wraps the 9 modules. This area between the main building and the Eucalyptus creates a nice cool ventilated area for students to relax between classes.

The Xylem Pavilion, 2019, Montana, USA

Something a little different designed by Diébédo Francis Kéré is the Xylem Pavilion. Built in 2019 for the Tippet Rise Art Centre, Montana, USA. The Pavilion, which is caved sinuously to blend in with its surroundings provides a comfortable place for people to come, converse, relax or simply sit in silence with nature. Entirely constructed of locally sourced sustainable pinewood felled during natural pruning. The process is used to protect the forest from parasitic bugs. Kéré stated on social media that no healthy trees were felled or damaged during the construction of the Xylem Pavilion.

National Park of Mali, 2010, Bamako

To mark the 50th Anniversary of Mali’s independence, Kéré took on the task of refurbishing the reopening of the National Park of Mali, Bamako, located on a reserve of protected rainforest. Included in the monumental task were points of entry to the park, youth and sports centre, a restaurant, public toilets and Kiosks. Externally cladding with natural stone from the region and generous large overhanging roofs provide cool areas inside and outside.

Diébédo Francis Kéré is a well-deserved winner of this year’s Pritzker Award not only for his unique sustainable designs but also for his humanitarian work in Burkina Faso and around the world. Isabel Barros Architects would like to congratulate Diébédo Francis Kéré and wish him a long and happy career.

The Pritzker Award Winners 2021

The Pritzker award, established in 1979 by the Pritzker family is awarded to a living architect/s for producing consistent and significant contributions to humanity. The award is granted annually and considered to be one of the highest achievements in the world of architectural design.

Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal, the 2021 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureates

This year’s 2021 Pritzker Award was awarded to Anne Lacaton, Saint-Pardoux, France & Jean-Philippe Vassal, Casablanca Morocco.

Lacation & Vassal met in the late 1970s during formal architecture training at École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture et de Paysage de Bordeaux. Lacaton went on to complete her Masters in Urban Design, while Vassal took another path deciding to relocate to Niger to practice Urban design. It was during a visit to Niger when Lacaton and Vassal started working together.

With their extensive experience in Urban Design, the two decided to explore the aspect of reusing and refurbishing existing structures rather than demolition. Some of their works to date include the following.

100 Units, Tour Bois Le Pretre, Social Housing, 2011 Paris, France

Working with Frederic Druot, the two took this tower originally built in the 1960s which was in serious need of upgrading, in all areas, went against the proposed demolition plans, turning the tower structure into a 100 unit apartment block.

Multipurpose Theater, 2013, Lille, France

Working as a multipurpose municipal hall that can host several different events. Due to its flexible floor plan, sliding doors, and windows, modular and reconfigurable seating to expand the space, the facade can retract fully and open any event onto the gardens.

Frac Nord-Pas de Calais, 2013, Dunkerque, France

This postwar Shipbuilding was due to be demolished, however, Lacaton and Vassal decided to construct a 2nd building in identical shape and size. The original shipbuilding is now used for changing public programming. The new includes galleries, offices, and storage for contemporary art.

House in Bordeaux, 1999, Bourdeaux, France

Once a cold industrial factory, now a warm inviting residential home. Replacing parts of the existing roof with transparent polycarbonate sheets, retractable walls, and oversized windows allows light to travel through the open-plan layout.

129 Units, Ourcq-Juarès Student and Social Housing, 2013, Paris, France

Located in the 19th district, Paris France. The 129 Units consist of 98 student apartments, 30 social dwelling, a specialist care home, and 3 commercial shops turning this disused structure into a busy community.

Lacaton & Vassal was established in1987 in Paris. Since 2017, Lacaton has been a professor of Architecture and Design at the Swiss Federal Institute of technology. Zurich Switzerland. Vassal is an associated professor at the Uniersitat der Kunste. Berlin, Germany, since 2012.

On behalf of the staff at Isabel Barros Architects, Wexford, we congratulate Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal on winning this prestigious award and look forward to seeing what they do next.

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