British architect David Chipperfield wins the Pritzker Prize

NEW YORK — British architect and urban planner David Chipperfield has won the 2023 Pritzker Prize, the profession’s most prestigious award, organizers announced on Tuesday.

The 69-year-old was recognized for “timeless, modern design that confronts climate crises, transforms social relationships and revitalizes cities,” according to a statement.

Chipperfield said he was “so overwhelmed” to become the award’s 52nd recipient.

“I see this award as an incentive to continue to focus not only on the substance of architecture and its importance, but also on the contribution that we as architects can make to meet the existential challenges of climate change and social inequality.” , the statement quoted him as saying.

Chipperfield is known for renovations and reconstructions of old buildings, modernizing them for modernity while honoring their history and culture.

His most famous works include the Museo Jumex in Mexico City, a renovation of the Neues Museum in Berlin and a new building for the Saint Louis Art Museum in Missouri.

“We know that as architects we can play a more prominent and engaged role in creating not only a more beautiful world, but a fairer and more sustainable world,” Chipperfield said.

“We must rise to this challenge and help inspire the next generation to take on this responsibility with vision and courage,” he added.

Other important works by Chipperfield include the Museum of Modern Literature in Marbach, Germany and the Des Moines Public Library in Iowa.

“He is assured of being hubris-free, consistently eschewing trends to confront and uphold the connections between tradition and innovation, and to serve history and humanity,” said Tom Pritzker, chairman of the Hyatt Foundation, which sponsors the award .