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| Toyo Ito |
Japanese architect Toyo Ito has been announced as the 2013
Pritzker Prize Laureate. The prize,
often referred to as the Nobel of architecture, is awarded each year to a
living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities
of talent, vision, and commitment, which has produced consistent and
significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art
of architecture. The jury citation opens
stating that "throughout his career, Toyo Ito has been able to produce a body
of work that combines conceptual innovation with superbly executed
buildings." The citation went on to
refer to Ito as innovative, responsible, and concerned with the future and
education of architects.
My personal knowledge of Toyo Ito
came during the start of my architectural education with the Sendai
Mediatheque, one of his most recognizable projects. Opened in 2001 the Mediatheque is a library
and museum with a focus on new media. While
to program to was quite unique at the time one key feature of the Mediatheque
is it's structural system of bundled tubes that contain program elements
within. This innovative feature
demonstrated a different approach to structure as well as space. Other notable work by Ito include the
"White U" house for his sister which could be credited for jump
starting his career, the TOD's Omotesando building where Ito once again explores
structure, this time serving as the buildings skin. More recently Ito has worked to help those
affected by the 2011 earthquake in Japan through the "Home-for-All"
project alongside other Japanese architects. In addition to, or more accurately, associated with his architectural works Ito has published numerous writings exploring different subjects which he addresses in his built work. He seems to always be addressing the larger issues of architecture while addressing the needs of a specific project, a quality necessary in any Pritzker Laureate.
Upon receiving the honor Ito humbly replied "I have been
designing architecture bearing in mind that it would be possible to realize more
comfortable spaces if we are freed from all the restrictions even for a little
bit. However, when one building is completed, I become painfully aware of my own
inadequacy.... Therefore, I will never fix my architectural style and never be
satisfied with my works."
The official presentation of the award will take place May 29, 2013
at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston,
Massachusetts. For additional
information visit
www.pritzkerprize.com and
www.toyo-ito.co.jp
Below are some photos of some of Toyo Ito's notable works:
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| Sendai Mediatheque |
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| Home-for-All |
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| TOD's |
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| White U House |
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| Funeral Hall |
