On March 4, architect and novelist Liu Jiakun was announced as the 2025 laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most prestigious international architecture award. Liu became the second Chinese person to receive this honor, after Wang Shu in 2012. His architectural approach draws on historical Chinese influences, with minimalistic and innovative designs, incorporating humanistic touches to dense urban cities. In 2014, Liu published Mingyue Gouxiang (明月构想), a dystopian novel about an idealistic architect who strives to rebuild the souls of an entire city’s inhabitants. Liu’s approach to architecture and literature are both closely defined by his background, where his respect for nature and culture shines through.

Born in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Liu spent his formative years through China’s cultural revolution and the post-Mao reform era. Liu graduated in 1982 from the Chongqing Institute of Architecture and Engineering with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in architecture. In 1999, Liu founded Jiakun Architects and has completed over 30 projects across China. 

Among Liu’s most notable projects is 2025’s West Village, located in Chengdu, a humid and tropical city. West Village is an urban community development that spans an entire block, where buildings arranged along the perimeter are filled with stores and restaurants. In the center is an open courtyard containing crisscrossing bike lanes, ponds, gardens, sports courts, and seating areas. West Village highlights Liu’s ability to harmoniously blend nature and infrastructure, creating a utilitarian urban space that serves the neighborhood, in a city where open space is a luxury.

Liu completed the Renovation of Tianbao Cave District of Erlang Town in 2021. A project transforming the deteriorated Langjiu liquor production site into an inviting cultural center and exhibition hall. The site is perched on the cliffside of the Tianbao Cave and surrounded by mountains. Liu’s reimagining included a traditional Chinese pavilion and walkway in vibrant orange-red that contrasts against the structure’s concrete base and rocky surroundings.

Liu also worked on the Rebirth Brick Project in remembrance of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, which claimed 70,000 lives. In this project, Liu repurposed rubble into new bricks to be used in the reconstruction efforts. The bricks signify a physical and spiritual rebirth, as new buildings emerge from the wreckage.

For more on China’s innovative, progressive and highly creative approach to architecture, make sure you see what else we’ve covered here. Like Shanghai’s fake mountains, The Twin Peaks, or on the Chinese interior design “hack” trend that’s essentially living like you’re in an unfinished apartment. 

All images via Jiakun Architects.