SANAA awarded 2025 Royal Gold Medal for architecture
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has named SANAA as the recipient of the 2025 Royal Gold Medal for architecture. The prestigious award, presented on behalf of His Majesty the King, recognises SANAA's longstanding contributions to architecture, particularly its innovative, sustainable, and user-focused designs.
SANAA, the collaborative practice led by Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, has built a reputation over nearly three decades for creating spaces that merge simplicity with elegance. Their designs, marked by a masterful use of light and transparency, are celebrated for their ability to connect users to their surroundings.
"We are delighted and very honoured to receive the Royal Gold Medal," said Sejima and Nishizawa. "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 2025 RIBA Honours Committee commended SANAA for its ability to "shape a universal language of architecture that resonates with people everywhere." Their work is known for balancing bold, minimalistic exteriors with complex and thoughtful interiors. Key projects include the New Museum in New York City, the Rolex Learning Centre in Lausanne, and the Louvre-Lens in France, with recent works such as Sydney Modern in Australia continuing to define their global influence.
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki noted: "SANAA’s designs demonstrate that architecture can balance functionality with profound elegance. Their commitment to sustainable, user-centred design has set an inspiring standard for the future of our built environment."
A public celebration of SANAA’s achievement will take place in London on 1 May 2025, where they will be officially presented with the Royal Gold Medal. The architects' work continues to influence architectural discourse worldwide, offering spaces that prioritise inclusivity, collaboration, and connection.
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