Arata Isozaki, a Japanese architect, is 2019’s recipient of the Pritzker Prize, the “Nobel Prize of architecture”. The 87-year-old architect completed more than 100 buildings in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Isozaki’s original, meaningful, and visionary approach to his craft earned him architecture’s highest honor. Some of his major works include the Pala Alpitour and Allianz Tower in Italy, and Ceramic Park Mino and Art Tower Mito in Japan. He also planned the design of Shanghai Symphony Hall and Qatar National Convention.

The Palau Sant Jordi sports facility in Barcelona, Spain, is among Isozaki’s most popular masterpieces. It was one of the main venues of the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. A Pritzker Prize jury stated that Isozaki’s comprehensive knowledge about architectural history and theory is reflected in his buildings. The statement also added that his works go beyond stylistic categorizations and continue to evolve. The Pritzker Prize has traditionally been considered a Western accolade. Isozaki is the seventh Asian architect who won the award in the last 10 years.