watch: SANAA accepts RIBA royal gold medal for architecture

RIBA awards its 46th royal gold medal to sanaa

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has just awarded SANAA with the 2025 Royal Gold Medal in London, recognizing the Japanese practice’s lifetime of significant contributions to the field. Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA were presented this ceremonial medal by RIBA President Muyiwa Oki in London on 1st May ahead of an official presentation by His Majesty King Charles III scheduled for later this year.

For nearly three decades, SANAA has been at the forefront of sustainable, user-centered architecture. The 2025 RIBA Honours Committee praised their work for shaping ‘a universal language of architecture that resonates with people everywhere,’ combining bold ideas with a deep sensitivity to place. From the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa to the Rolex Learning Centre in Lausanne and the New Museum in New York, SANAA’s buildings are celebrated for their transparency, elegant materials, and seamless integration of public and private space.

Ryue Nishizawa (left) and Kazuyo Sejima (right) | image courtesy of Morley von Sternberg

recognizing the japanese practice’s contributions to the field

The Royal Gold Medal, awarded annually since 1848, is one of architecture’s most prestigious honors, and SANAA becomes its 46th recipient. Accepting the award, the practice reflected on the heart of their approach: ‘As architects, we find joy in many forms. It’s not about the scale or level of the project, sometimes those moments come from working on grand buildings, other times from small, intimate ones. What matters most to us is creating architecture that brings us joy.’

As pioneers in sustainable, user-centered design, Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa have shown that architecture can be both modest and profoundly impactful. Their work has continued to explore how minimalist, human-focused spaces can shape society in meaningful ways. At a time when sustainability and accessibility are increasingly central to architectural practice, the practice continues to set a thoughtful and inspiring standard, influencing designers around the world. RIBA President Oki hailed SANAA’s ‘remarkable clarity and consistency.’ ‘It was an honour to celebrate at our headquarters not only their achievements, but their shared vision — one where architecture prioritises the human experience and human interaction, alongside form and function. Their work has become a standard for creating meaningful, culturally insightful designs and will continue to raise the bar for future generations.’

Sydney Modern Project, Australia | image by Iwan Baan