The Pritzker Architecture Prize

About the prize

Purpose
To honor a living architect/s whose built work demonstrates a combination of those
qualities of talent, vision, and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant
contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture.
The international prize, which is awarded each year to a living architect/s for significant
achievement, was established by the Pritzker family of Chicago through their Hyatt
Foundation in 1979. It is granted annually and is often referred to as architectures
Nobel and the professions highest honor.
The award consists of $100,000 (US) and a bronze medallion. The award is conferred on
the laureate/s at a ceremony held at an architecturally significant site throughout the
world.
History
Jay and Cindy Pritzker believed that a meaningful prize would encourage and stimulate
not only a greater public awareness of buildings, but also would inspire greater creativity
within the architectural profession.
The prize takes its name from the Pritzker family, whose international business interests
are headquartered in Chicago. Their name is synonymous with Hyatt Hotels located
throughout the world. The Pritzkers have long been known for their support of
educational, scientific, medical, and cultural activities. Jay A. Pritzker, (1922-1999), founded
the prize with his wife, Cindy. His eldest son, Thomas J. Pritzker, the current president
of The Hyatt Foundation, explains, As native Chicagoans, its not surprising that our
family was keenly aware of architecture, living in the birthplace of the skyscraper, a city
filled with buildings designed by architectural legends such as Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd
Wright, Mies van der Rohe, and many others.
He continues, In 1967, we acquired an unfinished building which was to become the
Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Its soaring atrium was wildly successful and became the signature
piece of our hotels around the world. It was immediately apparent that this design had a
pronounced effect on the mood of our guests and attitude of our employees. While the
architecture of Chicago made us cognizant of the art of architecture, our work with
designing and building hotels made us aware of the impact architecture could have on
human behavior. So in 1978, when we were approached with the idea of honoring living
architects, we were responsive. Mom and Dad (Cindy and the late Jay A. Pritzker)
believed that a meaningful prize would encourage and stimulate not only a greater public
awareness of buildings, but also would inspire greater creativity within the architectural
profession.
Many of the procedures and rewards of the Pritzker Prize are modeled after the Nobel
Prize. Laureates of the Pritzker Architecture Prize receive a $100,000 grant, a formal
citation certificate, and since 1987, a bronze medallion. Prior to that year, a limited
edition Henry Moore sculpture was presented to each Laureate.

The Pritzker Architecture Prize, About the prize (continued)

Ceremony and Medal

The official ceremony granting the award takes place every year, usually in May, at an
architecturally significant site throughout the world. The choice of location of the ceremony
reinforces the importance of the built environment while providing a unique setting for the
ceremony. The presentation ceremonies move around the world each year, paying homage
to the architecture of other eras and/or works by previous laureates of the prize. As the
ceremony locations are usually chosen each year before the laureate is selected, there is
no intended connection between the two.
The invitation-only event is attended by international guests and guests from the host
country. The ceremony itself normally consists of welcoming remarks usually from a
dignitary of the host country; comments from the jury chairman; the presentation of the
prize by Thomas Pritzker; and an acceptance speech from the Laureate.
The laureate receives $100,000 and also a bronze medallion. The bronze medallion
awarded to each Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize is based on designs of Louis
Sullivan, famed Chicago architect generally acknowledged as the father of the skyscraper.
On one side is the name of the prize. On the reverse, three words are inscribed,
firmness, commodity and delight, recalling Roman architect Vitruvius' fundamental
principles of architecture of firmitas, utilitas, venustas.
Jury
The independent jury of experts ranges from five to nine members. Jury members serve
for multiple years to assure a balance between past and new members and are entrusted
with selecting the laureate each year. No members of the Pritzker family or outside
observers are present during jury deliberations which usually take place during the first
months of the calendar year. The jury members are recognized professionals in their own
fields of architecture, business, education, publishing, and culture.
Nomination Process
The prize is awarded irrespective of nationality, race, creed, or ideology. Nominations are
accepted internationally from persons from diverse fields who have a knowledge of and
interest in advancing great architecture.
The Executive Director actively solicits nominations from past laureates, architects,
academics, critics, politicians, professionals involved in cultural endeavors, etc. and with
expertise and interest in the field of architecture.
Additionally, any licensed architect may submit a nomination to the Executive Director for
consideration by the jury for the Pritzker Architecture Prize. Nominations are accepted
through November 1 of any given year. It is sufficient to send an e-mail to the Executive
Director with the nominees name and contact information. Nominations that do not result
in the award are automatically carried over to the following year. The Jury normally
undertakes deliberations early in the calendar year and the winner is announced in the
The Hyatt Foundation
spring.
For more information, please contact:

Martha Thorne, Executive Director

The Pritzker Architecture Prize
71 South Wacker Drive
Suite 4700
Chicago, Illinois 60606
email: marthathorne@pritzkerprize.com