The work by Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal was commended for exhibiting an “honest design approach” that critically demonstrates the “importance of architecture in people’s lives.” David Chipperfield led the selection of this year’s contest, joined by an expert panel of fellow architects, critics, and curators.
In a statement, the pair said: “What comes after should always be better than what was there before. The buildings that people inhabit — their homes, workplaces, and social spaces — should bring pleasure; architecture should be generous and free. We are overjoyed to be awarded this year’s Soane Medal. As Soane furthered the discipline in his own time, we are pleased to join a group of Medallists who demonstrate architecture’s role in each aspect of society today.”
For over 30 years, Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal have been celebrated for their honest design approach. Through the resourceful repurposing of materials and existing structures, they transform buildings in a way that prioritizes the needs of residents and local communities, while remaining sensitive to environmental concerns. The pursuit of continued architectural improvement underpins their work, demonstrating the importance of architecture in people’s lives. This was central to Sir John Soane’s own mission, who not only used his house as a place of experimentation but to inspire and educate those who visited on architecture’s role in society.
“What comes after should always be better than what was there before. The buildings that people inhabit – their homes, workplaces, and social spaces – should bring pleasure; architecture should be generous and free. We are overjoyed to be awarded this year’s Soane Medal. As Soane furthered the discipline in his own time, we are pleased to join a group of Medallists who demonstrate architecture’s role in each aspect of society today.”
Anne and Jean-Philippe.
