At 17, Liu Jiakun was sent to labor in the countryside as part of China’s “re-education” efforts during the Cultural Revolution. Liu, now 68, reflected on this time, stating, “I didn’t see a clear future for me — a lot of things were quite meaningless.”
Eventually, Liu found purpose in architecture, a pursuit that has earned him the prestigious Pritzker Prize. He founded Jiakun Architects in Chengdu in 1999 and has since completed over 30 projects across China, including academic buildings, cultural institutions, and civic spaces. Notable works include the inaugural Serpentine Pavilion Beijing in 2018 and contributions to Venice Biennales.
Liu’s architectural style is characterized by its simplicity and respect for existing conditions. He emphasizes the use of local materials that are “regular, contemporary, cheap and local,” aiming to elevate the human spirit through his designs.
The Pritzker jury praised Liu for his “outstanding body of work of deep coherence and constant quality,” noting that he constructs new worlds without relying on a recurring aesthetic. Instead, he evaluates each project’s specific characteristics and requirements, transforming present realities into new scenarios for daily life.
One of his notable creations is the “rebirth brick,” made from rubble of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, mixed with wheat stalks and cement. He also designed a poignant tribute, “Memorial to Hu Huishan,” for a 15-year-old girl lost in the earthquake, located at the Jianchuan Museum Cluster in Chengdu. The structure resembles a relief tent and contains personal belongings of the girl, serving as a comfort to her parents and a collective memory.
Even Liu’s larger public projects maintain a modest aesthetic. The “West Village” in Chengdu, completed in 2015, is a five-story courtyard complex that integrates cultural, athletic, recreational, office, and business activities while remaining visually understated. It features open pathways for cyclists and pedestrians, celebrating the vitality of everyday life.
His Luyeyuan Stone Sculpture Art Museum, completed in 2002, is modeled after a traditional Chinese garden and houses a private collection of Buddhist figures. Liu’s renovation of the Tianbao Cave District in 2021 showcases his ability to blend architecture with the natural landscape.
Chairman of the Pritzker jury, Alejandro Aravena, noted Liu’s ability to create spaces that serve multiple functions, suggesting his work offers insights into addressing urbanization challenges.
Born in Chengdu in 1956, Liu was drawn to architecture from a young age. He graduated from the Chongqing Institute of Architecture and Engineering in 1982 and began his career at the Chengdu Architectural Design and Research Institute. His early experiences included a volunteer assignment in Tibet, where he balanced his architectural work with writing.
In 1993, a solo exhibition by a former classmate inspired Liu to explore personal expression through architecture, allowing him to engage more deeply with people’s lives. His designs, such as the Shuijingfang Museum and the Museum of Clocks, reflect his commitment to integrating architecture with its environment and enhancing the public experience.
For the 2015 Venice Biennale, Liu created an arcade using fishing rods and rough logs, further emphasizing his vision of architecture coexisting with nature and improving the quality of life for individuals.