Japanese architect Arata Isozaki has been chosen as the winner of this year’s Pritzker Prize.

Isozaki is the eighth Japanese architect to win a Pritzker Prize and the 46th Pritzker winner overall.

Known for his versatility and international design approach, the jury has praised him for “possessing a profound knowledge of architectural history and theory, and embracing the avant-garde”.

“He never merely replicated the status quo, but his search for meaningful architecture was reflected in his buildings that, to this day, defy stylistic categorisations.”

The 87-year-old began his career working for fellow Pritzker Prize winner Kenzo Tange in 1954 after he graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in Architecture and Engineering. He established his firm, Arata Isozaki & Associates in 1963, after which he built his reputation designing buildings across Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Australia.

Throughout his career Isozaki has also received the RIBA Royal Gold Medal for architecture and the Leone d’Oro at the Venice Architecture Biennale.  

Here are some of his most notable designs:

Art Tower Mito, Japan

Pritzker Prize Japanese architect Arata Isozaki

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Nara Convention Hall, Japan

Pritzker Prize Japanese architect Arata Isozaki

Image credit: Flickr 

Qatar National Convention Centre, Qatar

Pritzker Prize Japanese architect Arata Isozaki

Image credit: visitqatar.qa

Lucerne Festival Ark Nova, Japan

Pritzker Prize Japanese architect Arata Isozaki

Image credit: lucernefestival.ch

Team Disney Building, US

Pritzker Prize Japanese architect Arata Isozaki

Photography by Xinai Liang