SANAA's Harmonious Designs Earn 2025 RIBA Royal Gold Medal

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has awarded the 2025 Royal Gold Medal to SANAA, the Tokyo-based architectural firm led by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. This prestigious honor recognizes their significant contributions to contemporary architecture, particularly their commitment to sustainable, user-centered design.

Founded in 1995, SANAA has garnered international acclaim for its minimalist and innovative designs that emphasize simplicity, light, and a harmonious relationship with the environment. Their projects often feature transparent materials and fluid spaces that blur the boundaries between interior and exterior environments.

Notable works by SANAA include the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York (2007), distinguished by its stacked, cubic design; the Rolex Learning Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland (2010), an undulating, open-plan structure serving as a library and learning space; and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan (2004), a circular building designed to be approachable from all directions, fostering a sense of community engagement. More recently, they completed the Sydney Modern Project in Australia (2022), an expansion of the Art Gallery of New South Wales that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

RIBA President Muyiwa Oki praised SANAA's work, stating, "Exemplifying an unassuming yet impactful leadership in the evolving practice and theory of architecture, SANAA's designs demonstrate that architecture can balance functionality with profound elegance." He further highlighted their "unwavering commitment to sustainable, user-centered design," noting that their projects "illustrate how architecture can create a sense of joy and belonging while connecting people to the spaces they inhabit."

In response to receiving the award, Sejima and Nishizawa expressed their gratitude: "We are delighted and very honored to receive the Royal Gold Medal. 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."

The official award ceremony took place on May 1, 2025, at RIBA's headquarters in London. King Charles III presented the medal to Sejima and Nishizawa, acknowledging their contributions to architecture. The event celebrated SANAA's achievements and their influence on contemporary architectural practices.

SANAA's recognition with the RIBA Royal Gold Medal underscores the growing appreciation for sustainable and user-centered design in architecture. Their projects often prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, setting a standard for future developments. This award may inspire other architects to adopt similar principles, leading to more environmentally conscious and community-focused designs.

The RIBA Royal Gold Medal is awarded annually to individuals or groups who have had a significant influence on the advancement of architecture. SANAA's selection for the 2025 medal highlights their innovative approach to design and their impact on the global architectural landscape.

As SANAA continues to push the boundaries of architectural design, their work serves as a testament to the transformative power of architecture in shaping human experiences and interactions.