Chinese architect wins Pritzker Prize Wang Shu (2nd R) introduces architecture frame to a student at the Xiangshan campus of the China Aca...
Chinese architect wins Pritzker Prize
Wang Shu (2nd R) introduces architecture frame to a student at the Xiangshan campus of the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 9, 2011.
The photo taken on Feb. 29, 2012 shows partial view of the Ningbo Museum designed by Wang Shu in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Hu Xuejun)
The file photo taken on Aug. 20, 2010 shows the Ningbo Museum designed by Wang Shu in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Hu Xuejun)
The photo taken on Feb. 29, 2012 shows partial view of the Ningbo Museum designed by Wang Shu in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Hu Xuejun)
The file photo taken on Aug. 20, 2010 shows the Ningbo Museum designed by Wang Shu in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Hu Xuejun)
Wang Shu introduces his designing theories at the Southern Song Imperial Street, which reserves the characteristics of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 9, 2011. (Xinhua/Li Xiaoguo)
Wang Shu stands in front of a black brick wall at the Xiangshan campus of the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 9, 2011. (Xinhua/Li Xiaoguo)
Wang Shu walks past a rubble-built elevation at the Xiangshan campus of the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 9, 2011. (Xinhua/Li Xiaoguo)
A Chinese architect has won the Pritzker Architecture Prize, known as the Noble prize for architecture. Wang Shu has been recognized for his aesthetically striking and environmentally sustainable work. His unique buildings are created using recycled pieces of China’s past, in a time of rapid urbanization.
49-year old Wang Shu' s works typically mixes modern design with traditional material, and are all environmentally conscious creations.
His works include the famous Ningbo Contemporary Art Museum, and campus buildings at the China Academy of Art in Zhejiang province. Wang uses recycled materials, covering each building with hundreds of thousands of tiles from demolished traditional houses.
The artists expressed surprise at his win, saying that his efforts over the last ten years have finally paid off.
Wang Shu, Dean of Department of Architecture in China Academy of Art, said, "Everything is possible. I presented a new language for architecture, which maintains a consistency between the past and the exploration for the future. I think the award can at least bring some confidence to Chinese architects."
The award came at a period when new Chinese buildings often emphasize on giganticism rather than style. The country’s more modern architectural icons were designed by foreign architects, like the Beijing National Stadium and the Guangzhou opera house.
Wang is proof that Chinese architects, with their own creative disciplines, are able to harmonize fast-paced urbanization with local needs. The awards ceremony will take place in Beijing this May. Wang will receive a 100 thousand US dollars and a bronze medallion.
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