2023 Pritzker Prize-Winning Architect, Sir David Chipperfield

"Although we are all people of our time, I think I try to build architecture that is as timeless as possible."

— David Chipperfield

The 52nd recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, considered the most prestigious award in international architecture, is the British architect Sir David Chipperfield. Chipperfield was honored for his timeless designs over more than 40 years that respond to climate conditions, transform social relationships, and revitalize cities. His "unpretentious yet transformative" work has been praised for its original approach to civic architecture, free from trends. At a ceremony held in Athens in May, Chipperfield received the award and expressed his gratitude in a brief statement:

"I am very happy to be included among the architects who have inspired this profession and received this award. I have directed my motivation not toward architecture itself but toward the contributions I can make in addressing the challenges of climate change and social inequality. As architects, we are aware that we can play an important role not only in designing a beautiful world but also in creating a just and sustainable one. We must confront these challenges and instill hope and courage for the future."

Education and Career Journey

British architect Sir David Chipperfield was born in London in 1953. Growing up on a farm in southwest England, his early impressions of architecture were shaped by his childhood experiences.

After graduating from Kingston School of Art in 1976 and the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London in 1980, he began his professional career working with experienced architects such as Norman Foster (Pritzker Prize winner, 1999) and Richard Rogers (Pritzker Prize winner, 2007). In 1985, he founded David Chipperfield Architects in London and later expanded his studio network to Tokyo, Milan, Berlin, and Shanghai. During the 1980s, he also worked on interior design projects, broadening the scope of his production.

Today, Chipperfield is considered one of the world’s leading contemporary architects. His original design philosophy is based on the belief that a high-quality and efficient design process, focused on the function of the space and the unique requirements of the project, produces the best results. He works closely with clients to analyze potential starting points and challenges for each project. To establish a strong project context, he conducts research and develops a clear concept while avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Chipperfield opened his own office in London at the age of 31, gaining experience with a wide range of projects, from residential buildings to public structures, and from small-scale projects to complex constructions. He believed that this diversity could only be managed with a strong team approach. Therefore, staying current and collaborating with international and interdisciplinary teams has always been a priority. This commitment, maintained throughout his career, has given him an advantage in remaining contemporary and universal. To convey relationships between volume, form, and space, Chipperfield and his team employ various presentation methods such as models, sketches, diagrams, and drawings. They also maintain a continuous practice of learning, discussion, and sharing in theoretical areas such as design philosophy, architectural history, and construction technologies.

Design Approach

Chipperfield’s work can generally be described as modern and minimalist. One of his goals is to enhance the everyday experience of life in subtle ways. Whether designing a window that appeals to emotions, ensuring a hotel room’s vanity mirror is properly placed, or freeing public buildings from conventional monotony, Chipperfield believes architecture has moral responsibilities toward its surroundings. The consistency of decisions and harmony with the context are very important to him. He believes that a design that respects the history and memory of the space, is timeless, simple, and intertwined with environmental factors, improves the user experience.

Notable Projects by David Chipperfield

Toyota Auto – Kyoto, Japan
Completed in the early 1990s, the Toyota Auto Building in Kyoto is one of three Chipperfield projects in Japan, alongside the Gotoh Museum in Chiba and the Matsumoto Corporation Headquarters in Okayama. Located in the Sakyo district of Kyoto, the building draws inspiration from the city’s medieval passageways, courtyards, and surrounding scenic hills. The facility includes a car gallery, restaurant, offices, and a rooftop for entertainment. Considering neighboring houses and local regulations, the maximum height was limited to 10 meters. The main volume is enclosed by a concrete wall covering a long corridor, concealing both interior spaces and the core. Variations and openings in the concrete break the monotony, enlivening the façade. The rooftop volume, with circular-section columns and anthracite paint, contrasts with the Brutalist effect of the concrete.

River & Rowing Museum – Oxfordshire, England
Completed in 1997, the River & Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames sits on the south bank of the Thames River. The design draws on traditional Oxfordshire architecture while incorporating modern elements. The museum documents the history of rowing and the Thames River, as well as the Henley town’s history. Raised on concrete columns to protect against occasional flooding, it consists of two sections: a transparent ground floor for public use and galleries on the first floor illuminated only by skylights. Galleries for displaying boats were designed with openings wide enough for direct entry. The green oak covering the upper floors ages naturally, blending the building with the local architecture.

America’s Cup Building 'Veles e Vents' – Valencia, Spain
Another notable project is the building in Valencia, Spain, which served as the center for the first offshore European competition in over 150 years. Chipperfield won the 2006 design competition for the America’s Cup building, which functioned both as a base for teams and a public viewing platform. The four-story concrete building offers uninterrupted views of the canal through its transparent façade, framed by stacked white horizontal planes. The ground floor houses VIP areas and restaurants. Limited materials, white-painted steel cladding, concrete, and white metal panels for ceilings create a minimalist aesthetic. Wooden floors outside and white epoxy inside complement the simplicity, while colorful furniture subtly differentiates interior areas, making the structure resemble a living sculpture from the sea.

Neues Museum – Berlin, Germany
Completed in 2009, the Neues Museum in Berlin is one of Chipperfield’s most significant works. Originally built by Friedrich August Stüler between 1841–1859, the building was damaged in World War II and left for 50 years before restoration. Chipperfield’s approach balanced restoration with contemporary additions, preserving the historic massing while integrating modern elements to maintain the building’s memory.

Palace of Justice – Barcelona, Spain
Completed in 2011, the 'Ciutat de la Justicia Barcelona' project was designed for the L’Hospitalet de Llobregat government’s judicial department. Instead of a single mass, the complex consists of eight separate but interconnected buildings. Variations in scale and positioning exist, but all share a consistent design language. Public spaces between the blocks are shaped by strong landscape design. The irregular layout reflects a principle of harmony with each block’s surroundings, emphasizing functional integration with the environment.

Royal Academy of Arts Master Plan – London, England
By 2018, Chipperfield had completed many different types of buildings. He added the Royal Academy of Arts Master Plan Renewal Project in London, celebrating RA’s 250th anniversary. Founded in 1768, the RA is one of England’s oldest art institutions, located at Burlington House, Piccadilly. The project connected two buildings, integrating a historic building into the RA campus. Modern elements were added, the restored grand entrance staircase formed a new public route, the historic amphitheater was renovated, laboratories were converted to galleries, and the former library became the ‘Collections Gallery.’ The project was developed in close collaboration with 80 Royal Academicians and opened in 2018, enhancing the institution’s identity, coherence, and public engagement.

A Versatile Designer

Beyond architecture, David Chipperfield has maintained his minimalist and high-quality design approach in furniture and product design, including tables, chairs, armchairs, benches, bookshelves, lighting, rugs, and various objects.

A master of minimalist modernism, David Chipperfield has earned numerous awards and created projects that will inspire future generations. With the addition of the 2023 Pritzker Prize to his accomplished career, Sir David Chipperfield continues to be a globally recognized and celebrated architect, whose future projects are eagerly anticipated.