When does architecture elevate itself into a form of art through practice? For Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA, the answer lies in the pursuit of design that goes beyond function to evoke emotion, nurture connections and address society's evolving needs. The duo's extensive oeuvre and veritable approach to creating good architecture—balancing simplicity with depth, functionality with elegance and respect for context—has earned them the 2025 Royal Gold Medal for architecture, awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The prestigious accolade celebrates nearly three decades of practice for SANAA, during which they have reshaped global architecture with a commitment to sustainable, user-centred design. Muyiwa Oki, RIBA president and chair of the 2025 Honours Committee, noted their “unassuming yet impactful leadership in the evolving practice and theory of architecture," praising their work for demonstrating how architecture can balance “functionality with profound elegance”.

The Japanese architecture practice’s projects reflect its dedication to shaping spaces that invite interaction, connect people to their surroundings and provide a sense of belonging. The duo’s signature use of light and transparency lends their buildings an ethereal quality, creating a fluid connection with the building's environment and context. Their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is evident across their portfolio, which spans diverse typologies and geographies.

One of their most celebrated projects is the New Museum in New York City, which stands prominently amidst the city's dense urban fabric while maintaining an inviting presence. Similarly, the Rolex Learning Centre in Lausanne flows gently along the shores of Lake Geneva, integrating with its natural surroundings and offering a harmonious space for learning and collaboration. Other notable works include the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan, the Dior Omotesando Store in Tokyo, the Zollverein School of Design in Germany and the Louvre-Lens in France. Each project showcases SANAA’s ability to balance subtlety with strength, combining transparency and solidity in a way that fosters interaction and connection.

The practice's work often features a minimalistic facade that belies the quiet complexity of their interiors. This approach emphasises the importance of a concealed or perceived simplicity and depth—quite definitive of more characteristic Japanese architecture—ensuring that the structure serves both its functional requirements and the emotional needs of its users within. The Sydney Modern in Australia, completed in 2022, captures this philosophy by creating a space that integrates art, nature and the community.

Throughout their career, Sejima and Nishizawa have remained committed to the belief that architecture can rejuvenate and nurture environments. Their practice has been marked by a deep respect for the local context, as further seen in projects like Grace Farms in the USA, which coexist with the landscape to foster community engagement and environmental awareness. Reflecting on their approach, the architects stated, “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.”

This ethos extends to their collaborative working style, which allows the practice to oscillate between individual creativity and collective innovation. The firm also notably won the 2009 commission for the Serpentine Pavilion in London, whose sinuous reflective surfaces encouraged exploration while still being entirely approachable.

The 2025 RIBA Honours Committee also included other esteemed architects like Bjarke Ingels and Sadie Morgan, who commended SANAA’s "remarkable clarity and consistency" over the decades. Their citation highlighted the practice’s ability to balance private and public spaces using simple materials and graceful lines to create environments that invite natural light and interaction.

Demonstrating how architecture can transcend cultural boundaries and offer universally resonant experiences, the Louvre-Lens, for instance, stands out particularly for its melding of contemporary design with historical significance, while the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa invites visitors to engage with art in a setting that feels both intimate and expansive.

Oki emphasised SANAA’s contribution to the field, stating, "Their unwavering commitment to sustainable, user-centred design has quietly blazed a trail for others, setting an inspiring standard for the future of our built environment. Their work serves as a lasting testament to the transformative power of architecture – to inspire joy, create a sense of belonging and connect us to the environments we inhabit.”

The Royal Gold Medal, awarded annually since 1848, celebrates architects whose work has had a significant influence on the advancement of architecture. Previous recipients include luminaries such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Zaha Hadid and Balkrishna Doshi. SANAA’s recognition this year bolsters their role as pioneers in creating spaces that prioritise the human experience while addressing the more pressing challenges of sustainability and accessibility.

Reflecting on this honour, the architects shared in the official release, "Architecture is always teamwork, and we are very grateful to everyone that has given us opportunities to develop these ideas over the years, and to all those people that have worked tirelessly with us to realise them. This is a very happy moment for us, thank you.”