Explore Liu Jiakun's architectural philosophy: a unique blend of tradition, sustainability, and social interaction in modern design.

Speaking to CNN ahead of Tuesday’s announcement, the founder of one of China’s first private architecture firms reflects on a career designing unpretentious buildings in an era of excess.

This multi-levelled landscape of leisure, culture and commerce, known as West Village, is the work of architect Liu Jiakun, who has been named as the recipient of this year’s Pritzker prize, the world’s highest accolade in architecture.

Pritzker Architecture Prize has been awarded to Liu Jiakun of China, who earned the field’s highest honor for “affirming architecture that celebrates the lives of ordinary citizens.”

Liu, known for understated structures that respond to their surroundings, has been awarded the profession’s highest honor.

The Chinese architect was recognized by the jury for his ability to draw on every site’s unique heritage and challenges.

This week on Dezeen, Chinese architect Liu Jiakun was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize for his buildings that aim to prioritise people over architectural style. Liu became the 54th laureate and third architect from China to receive the award in its 46-year history,

You have to provide poetry’ as well as function, says Chengdu-based Liu. Awards jury hails Liu’s designs that ‘elevate the human spirit’.

The 69-year-old architect and founder of Jiakun Architecture is known for work that underscores the way people are intended to use a space. Not just the way they use the space, in fact, but who, and where,

Liu was recognized for designs that celebrate ‘everyday lives of people as well as their communal and spiritual identities’