Jean Nouvel © Christophe Petit-Tesson Created by the Pritzker family, the owner of Hyatt Hotel chain as well as numerous business entities both in the U.S. and abroad. The annual Pritzker Architecture Prize honors a living architect, whose portfolio of works embodied his/her talent and vision, in turn, contributed not only to the field of architecture, but the human experience also. And so this morning, March 31st, the jury selected French architect, Jean Nouvel, as the 2008 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate.Born in 1945 at Fumel, France. Jean Nouvel’s interest in art took hold when he was in high school. When further education was needed, Nouvel’s parents, educators themselves, objected to his school selections. Instead, a comprise between both parties was made. His parents allowed him to continue his education in Beaux Arts school. In return, he had to switched to the more practical field of architecture. The switch didn’t frayed Nouvel. He excelled in the new field as well. Today, Nouvel, along with 100+ employees at his firm, Ateliers Jean Nouvel, oversee the design of some 40 projects in 13 countries worldwide. However, there is a likelihood none of the structure will look similar to each other. That is because Nouvel is known for no having a distinctive style. As the jury citation pointed out, “For Nouvel, in architecture there is no ’style” a priori…” Instead, Nouvel enters each project with preparation to adopt, to conform, accordingly to the needs of the client, the location, the culture, and etc… This methology permits experimentation re-invention time and time again.The formal award ceremony will take in June at Library of Congress in Washington D.C. where Nouvel will receive a grant of US$ 100,000 and a bronze medallion.
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Guthrie Theater - 1999~2006 USA © Roland Halbe 
Institut du Monde Arabe - 1981~1987 France © Georges Fessy 
Institut du Monde Arabe - 1981~1987 France © Georges Fessy 
40 Mercer Street - 2001~2007 USA © Philippe Ruault 
Nemausus I Public Housing - 1985~1987 Franc © Deidi Von Schaewen 
Tour de Verre - 2007~In Progress USA © Ateliers Jean Nouvel
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