The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that Japanese architecture firm SANAA will receive the Royal Gold Medal 2025 for architecture, with their design for Naala Badu in Sydney applauded in the accompanying citation.
SANAA, the collaborative practice of Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, has championed sustainable and user-centred design for more than three decades, stated a communique released by RIBA. Their projects often feature simple, minimalistic facades with complex interiors disguised within. Additionally, they are often distinguished by the skilful harnessing of light to create “an ethereal quality,” stated the release.
The 2025 RIBA Honours Committee was chaired by RIBA president Muyiwa Oki, who was joined by Lesley Lokko, Bjarke Ingels and Sadie Morgan.
The committee praised the practice for shaping “a universal language of architecture that resonates with people everywhere.” They added, by balancing boldness with sensitivity to the local environment, their works “demonstrate that architecture can be both functional and profoundly elegant, offering a sense of calm amidst an increasingly complex and chaotic world.”
Specific projects regarded highly in the committee’s citation included the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City, the Rolex Learning Centre in Lausaunne and the Naala Badu extension to the NSW Art Gallery in Sydney.
President of RIBA Muyiwa Oki said SANAA’s designs demonstrate that architecture can balance functionality with profound elegance. “True pioneers in the field, their unwavering commitment to sustainable, user-centred design has quietly blazed a trail for others, setting an inspiring standard for the future of our built environment,” said Oki.
“Showing remarkable clarity and consistency over the decades, their work serves as a lasting testament to the transformative power of architecture – to inspire joy, create a sense of belonging, and connect us to the environments we inhabit.”
Upon receiving the medal, Sejima and Nishizawa stated they were honoured. “We have always believed that architecture can transform and repair environments, helping us to relate to our surroundings, nature and each other. Throughout our careers we have tried to make spaces that bring people together, inviting them to imagine new ways of living and learning collectively,” said the duo.
“Architecture is always teamwork, and we are very grateful to everyone that has given us opportunities to develop these ideas over the years, and to all those people that have worked tirelessly with us to realise them. This is a very happy moment for us, thank you.”
The 2024 RIBA Gold Medal recipient was Ghanaian-Scottish architect, educator, author, racial advocate and curator Lesley Lokko.
The Royal Gold Medal 2025 will be presented to Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa in London on 1 May 2025.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
