Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
Last week, Japanese architect Arata Isozaki was honored with the 2022 Pritzker Architecture Prize, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for Architecture". Critics are even of the opinion that the prize comes a little too late and should therefore be accepted as "vindictive justice". However, we maintain that this highest award is right now for the 87-year-old Japanese architect. It was high time that he was revered as one of the greatest architects in the world for his special creative work. Arata Isozaki has so far designed over 100 enchanting structures scattered around the world, serving as bridges between different cultures.
According to the jury, this year's Pritzker Prize winner Arata Isozaki is a "versatile, authoritative and truly international architect".
- Arata Isozaki and his creative aesthetics
1931 Arata Isozaki was born in the Japanese port city of Ōita on the island of Kyushu. While studying architecture at the University of Tokyo, he attended the class of the godfather of Japanese post-war modernism, Kenzo Tange. His first works, such as the city libraries in his hometown and in Fukuoka, were clearly influenced by his great teacher.
These are gigantic urban utopias shaped by the Japanese belief in the technically feasible. In the 1970s and 1980s, Arata Isozaki oriented himself towards the classical modernism of the West. That is why his artistic works show characteristics of the geometry of the Bauhaus and the gigantic utopianism of Russian Constructivism. However, the architect did not remain true to a single style. It tries to connect different cultures in its design language and to gain something good and unique from the opposites.
With his farsighted thinking, the 87-year-old architect is considered a visionary of his generation.
In his own words, the architect "circled the world seven times just to see architecture". He knows this art down to the smallest detail. Above all, he prefers large, clear forms that refer to the people are matched. He likes to break clichés in architecture. In addition, Arata Isozaki combines the practical and creative in his work with his work as a university professor. He still gives guest lectures at well-known and renowned universities around the world, including Harvard, Yale and UCLA.
Here in Germany he has been an honorary member of the Association of German Architects BDA since 1983.
The art museum in the Japanese city of Kitakyushu was built in 1974. The vertical columns can often be compared with binoculars.
- Some of Arata Isozaki's stunning masterpieces
Arata Isozaki won the Pritzker Architecture Prize or the highest award for architecture in 2022 for his "fresh" buildings that "defy stylistic categories". As the jury praises the Japanese architect, his quirky buildings often expand the aesthetic canon of modernism. Now we would like to show you some of Arata Isozaki's remarkable masterpieces. This overview of his stunning buildings is really worthwhile.
A nighttime view of the Museum of Contemporary Art in LA.
The Art Tower Mito in Japan
The imposing tower in the Japanese city of Mito is part of an architectural complex. This accommodates a cinema hall, exhibition areas and event rooms. The facade is indeed impressive. It consists of steel triangles that twist towards the top and are designed in the shape of a helix. The tower was opened in 1990 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city of Mito and is now known as the Art Tower Mito.
The Palau Sant Jordi Stadium in Barcelona
This covered stadium in Barcelona was built in 1990 for the Olympic Games and it stands out for its interesting architecture.
Domus Museum in Galicia, Spain - the spectacular building is a masterpiece by Arata Isozaki
The Nara Centennial Hall opened in 1999 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Japan's first capital.
The concert hall in the Greek city of Thessaloniki is located directly on the coast of the Aegean Sea.
The Shenzhen Cultural Center (2007) in China is crowned with glass pyramids.
The Qatar National Convention Center opened in 2011.
The white and green exterior panels of the D38 Office in Barcelona reduce the glare of the sun so it doesn't glare at the employees inside
Arata Isozaki designed Ark Nova with Indian-born architect Anish Kapoor.
Inside the Ark Nova building (2011) is a 500-seat event space made of flexible plastic.
The Allianz Tower in Milan is called Il Dreito or "The Straight One". The building was completed in 2015.
