The jury praised the French architect duo for their contemporary approach, their simple attitude and their clever courage.
The jury honored the French architect duo, Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal, for their contemporary attitude, their simple approach and their clever courage.
“Good architecture is open – open to life, open to give everyone the freedom to do what they want,” says Anne Lacaton. The two French architects Lacaton Vassal have done just that since founding their office in Paris in 1987: they have not only produced good architecture, but also significantly improved the living conditions of many people. By preventing demolition and instead generously extending and refurbishing existing buildings to improve the climate.
Even one of their first projects, the Latapie house in Floirac from 1993, caused a sensation. With a remarkably cost-effective doubling of the limited living space with the help of simple, filigree greenhouse elements. As a result, they also became known outside France (see Baumeister 9/2014). It was the first testimony to their socially committed, environmentally conscious approach, which they continue to follow to this day.
Recently, Lacaton Vassal has attracted particular attention with the renovation and extension of residential high-rises from the 1960s. These include a residential tower block in Paris (2011) and the three large apartment blocks in Bordeaux (2017). Here, they prevented the demolition of the familiar surroundings and were able to impressively improve the living situation in the 530 units. Floor-to-ceiling windows and front balconies, terraces and conservatories with greenery increased the living space. This created additional open space, regardless of the seasons. And at a third of the budget that would have been necessary for demolition and new construction. Anna Lacaton says, “Demolition is a frivolous, short-sighted decision. It is a waste”.
Art lovers will also appreciate her transformation of the Palais de Toyko in Paris, whose grand spaces showcase it as an unfinished, ever-changing place (Baumeister 3/2012). They have also succeeded in creating a particularly atmospheric environment with the transformation of the café at the ArchitekturZentrum Wien ( Baumeister 11/2011). Its richly ornamented oriental tiled ceiling is reminiscent of a Turkish café.
The chairman of the jury for this year’s Pritzker Prize, Alejandro Aravena, praised Lacaton Vassal for her extensive work to date: for her respectful yet simple approach, her radical sensitivity and her clever courage.
Join us in celebrating a strong female duo: Pritzker Prize 2020 goes to Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara
