Founded in 1979 by the late Jay Pritzker, founder of Hyatt Hotels, the awards are now regarded as the highest international honour awarded to individuals working in the field of architecture.

The criteria for eligibility dictates an individual must be  “…a living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture.”

At 71, Ito has been working as an architect since 1965 after graduating from Tokyo University.  In 1971 he established his own practice that trades today as Toyo Ito & Associates, working across architecture as well as interiors and furniture design.  He is the 6^th Japanese National to be awarded The Pritzker.

“Throughout his career, Toyo Ito has been able to produce a body of work that combines conceptual innovation with superbly executed buildings,” cites Pritzker Jury Chairman, The Lord Palumbo,  “A professional of unique talent, he is dedicated to the process of discovery that comes from seeing the opportunities that lie in each commission and each site.”

Ito will be awarded The Pritzker at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts on May 29, 2013.

Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects

toyo-ito.co.jp

The Pritzker Prize

pritzkerprize.com