In a remarkable moment for the architecture world, Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, founders of the celebrated Japanese firm SANAA, have been named the recipients of Le Prix Charlotte Perriand 2025. Awarded by the Créateurs Design Association & Awards (CDA), this prestigious recognition highlights the duo’s ongoing impact on global architecture, acknowledging their minimalist yet profound designs that continue to push the boundaries of innovation.
A Significant Recognition for Two Pioneers in Architecture
The Charlotte Perriand Award celebrates trailblazing architects who, like the French modernist Charlotte Perriand, influence design through both creativity and vision. This award, established in 2021, has grown in prominence for its dedication to honoring architects at the forefront of their craft. For the first time, the prize has been awarded to a duo, recognizing the collaborative genius of Sejima and Nishizawa, whose partnership in SANAA has redefined contemporary architecture through projects that blend subtlety with ingenuity.
Their works, such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, and the Louvre-Lens Museum in France, demonstrate a mastery of minimalist form that prioritizes space, light, and the human experience. The recognition by CDA aligns with these principles, celebrating SANAA’s ability to create structures that are not just functional but profound and emotionally resonant.
SANAA’s Approach: Minimalism with Profound Depth
At the core of SANAA’s philosophy is an elegant simplicity. Their architecture has always prioritized a fluid relationship between buildings and their environments, where materials, space, and light interact seamlessly. This minimalist approach does not diminish the emotional depth of their work, however. Instead, SANAA’s architecture often reveals a contemplative quality, inviting occupants and visitors to experience the subtleties of light and texture in ways that inspire reflection.
A prime example of this is the Sydney Modern extension to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, where natural elements like light and space become part of the gallery experience. Similarly, the Bocconi University New Urban Campus in Italy emphasizes connectivity and openness, embodying SANAA’s focus on creating spaces that nurture human interaction.
The Legacy of Charlotte Perriand and SANAA’s Influence
Charlotte Perriand, one of the 20th century’s most influential modernists, was known for her ability to design spaces and furniture that married function with aesthetic beauty. Her commitment to simplicity, nature, and human well-being is mirrored in SANAA’s work. For Sejima and Nishizawa, receiving an award that bears Perriand’s name is an acknowledgment not just of their designs but of their shared architectural philosophy.
In their acceptance, Sejima and Nishizawa reflected on Perriand’s influence, stating, “Charlotte Perriand is one of the masters of modern architecture, and we admire her delicate interior and furniture designs.” This connection speaks to their enduring respect for the integration of design and human experience, qualities that have come to define both Perriand and SANAA’s legacies.
A Career Defined by Innovation and Accolades
Over the years, Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa have established themselves as leading figures in contemporary architecture. Their recognition by CDA comes on the heels of other prestigious awards, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2010, the Architectural Institute of Japan Award in 2006, and the Praemium Imperiale in 2022. Sejima’s individual contribution to architecture has also been widely recognized, notably with the Jane Drew Prize for Architecture in 2023, which acknowledged her role in elevating the profile of women in the field.
Their work not only demonstrates technical mastery but also a thoughtful understanding of how architecture can shape and be shaped by its surroundings. Each project, whether an art museum or an educational campus, reflects their pursuit of an architecture that feels both timeless and responsive to the needs of its users.
SANAA’s Global Impact on Contemporary Architecture
From Tokyo to New York, Paris to Milan, SANAA’s global presence has reshaped the way architects and the public perceive space. By stripping architecture down to its essentials, Sejima and Nishizawa allow the form to speak for itself. Their projects balance innovation with tradition, creating a dialogue between structure and environment that feels both new and familiar.
In many ways, SANAA’s designs reflect a growing movement in contemporary architecture that emphasizes sustainability, fluidity, and user experience. Their buildings often serve as dynamic spaces for art, education, and community, where the line between interior and exterior is deliberately blurred.
Conclusion: SANAA’s Lasting Influence
As Sejima and Nishizawa prepare to receive the Le Prix Charlotte Perriand at the 2025 Créateurs Design Awards in Paris, their career serves as a testament to the power of thoughtful, minimalist design. Their recognition as trailblazers in architectural innovation is well-deserved, and their influence on contemporary architecture continues to shape the way we think about space, light, and the human experience.
Their award marks another milestone in a career defined by visionary projects that remain timeless, echoing Charlotte Perriand’s ethos while pushing architecture into new and exciting directions. SANAA’s future projects will no doubt continue to inspire, creating spaces where architecture and nature coexist in perfect harmony.
Comments are closed.