The Japan Art Association just named Toyo Ito its 2010 Praemium Imperiale Laureate for Architecture. The annual global arts prize is regarded as one of the highest honors for those in the arts. Ito was joined by Sophia Loren for Theater/Film, Enrico Castellani for Painting, Rebecca Horn for Sculpture, and Maurizio Pollini for Music. Practicing architecture for decades, Ito continually brings a sense of sophisticated elegance to his projects with “a deep concern for the relationships between architecture, nature and the environment,” explained the jury. We have featured several projects by Ito previously on AD, and whether it be a residence, a public theater, or a library, Ito consistently pushes the boundary of architectural expression by testing the limits of structure, using a modern material palette and bringing his ideas of transparency to each project.
More about the award after the break.
A jury of International Advisors, including Lamberto Dini (Italy), François Pinault (France), Christopher Patten (UK), and Yasuhiro Nakasone (Japan), nominated Ito for the distinguished award, with the final selection was decided by the Japan Art Association. William H. Luers, the American Advisor, said, “We are honored to recognize this year’s distinguished group of Praemium Imperiale Laureates. This illustrious prize celebrates both their individual excellence and the vital contribution of art in building international pathways of communication, enlightenment and joy.”
Be sure to check out our coverage of Ito’s projects previously on AD.
As seen on Bustler.
