Chinese architect Sui Yanfei has won the 4th Kazuhiro Kojima Award in 2025, becoming the first recipient from outside Japan since the award's inception. The jury presented this honor to Sui in recognition of his deep insight into Chinese social realities alongside his continuous exploration of new, future-oriented possibilities for architecture. His work focuses on extending Eastern thought within a post-human context and excels at reinterpreting historically accumulated social structures. Grounding his practice in social, economic, and institutional realities, he transforms architecture within complex networks of relationships into a medium that connects people, objects, and time. The diverse practice of his studio is both deeply rooted in reality and brings a new poetry to contemporary life.
Born in 1981, Sui Yanfei earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Architecture from Tongji University in 2004 and 2007, respectively, and a Master of Architecture from Princeton University in 2009. Following his tenure at OMA in Rotterdam, Sui founded Yanfei Architecture Studio in 2012. The studio focuses on architectural practices within the context of China's rapid transformation, spanning research, installations, community intervention, and on-site construction to reimagine the spatial and functional possibilities of contemporary life. Their work has earned numerous honors, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Design Excellence Award in 2018. That same year, the studio was invited to participate in the Venice Architecture Biennale. In 2023, they received the Youth Exploration Award at the "Natural Build · Architecture China Award." In 2024, the firm held its solo exhibition, "In the Course of Daily Use," in Shanghai.
The award ceremony and symposium for this year's Kazuhiro Kojima Award will be livestreamed on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 15:00 (Beijing Time):
- Livestream Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85176308286；
- Zoom Meeting ID: 851 7630 8286.
Xinfan Market
Jinyun, Zhejiang (2019-2020)
Xianlin School
Nanjing, Jiangsu (2019-2021)
Haiyan Guest Hall
Kunming, Yunnan (2023-2024)
Lango Winery
Penglai, Shandong (2020-2025)
Thousand Parrots Aviary
Jinyun, Zhejiang (2017-2025)
The Deck
Fuxing Island, Shanghai (2025)
Wind Cabin
Qinhuangdao, Hebei (2019-2023)
About the Kazuhiro Kojima Award
The Kazuhiro Kojima Award was established to commemorate the outstanding contributions of the representative Japanese architect Kazuhiro Kojima (1958–2016), who passed away prematurely. The award aims to carry forward the courage and conviction he demonstrated as an architect and educator——his boldness in questioning society and his commitment to creating architecture where "people are the protagonists." Furthermore, against the backdrop of the many challenges of the 21st century, it seeks to honor his approach of always engaging with others to discuss all matters related to architecture. As such, the award is not for a single piece of work; rather, it aims to recognize the future of young creators, encompassing all activities and ideas related to architecture. Additionally, the selection process is open to a wider range of fields in accordance with its operational guidelines, aiming to serve as a platform for discussions that inspire the courage and hope to rebuild society through architecture.
Jury Philosophy - Kazuhiro Kojima possessed a firm belief in architectural space. To honor his lifetime of work, the award jury has set a challenging goal: to seek out young creators and theorists who embody the following key criteria. The selection is not limited to Japan but extends across Asia and worldwide.
1. A firm belief in architectural space; 2. A logical approach developed through concrete space; 3. A "free mind" unbound by authority and common sense; 4. Curiosity toward the "other"; 5. Leadership based on thoughtfulness and inclusivity.
Eligible Candidates - The award is presented to individuals who seek to drive social change through concrete spatial creation. This includes not only architects but also theorists involved in architectural creation. While eligible candidates are not restricted to traditional "architectural" fields, their endeavors must show continuity, demonstrating long-term engagement with and influence on social affairs rather than fleeting actions.
Award Cycle - The award is held biennially, with selection and presentation occurring every two years. A symposium related to the Kazuhiro Kojima Award is held annually on October 13.
4th Kazuhiro Kojima Award Jury Committee
- Representative Director: Ryue Nishizawa
- Chairperson: Kumiko Inui
- Jurors: Kazuyo Sejima, Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, Akihisa Hirata, Yasuaki Onoda, etc. (Kazuhiro Kojima Award Executive Committee)
Advisory Board: Hiroshi Hara, Riken Yamamoto, Koh Kitayama, Kazuko Akamatsu
Kazuhiro Kojima Award Executive Committee: Jun Aoki, Yoko Ando, Yasuyuki Ito, Kumiko Inui, Kotaro Imai, Susumu Uno, Yasuaki Onoda, Kayoko Sakashita, Mitsuhiko Sato, Kazuyo Sejima, Manabu Chiba, Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, Naoyuki Nagata, Taira Nishizawa, Ryue Nishizawa, Atsuko Nishimaki, Akihisa Hirata, Teppei Fujiwara, Motomu Yasuhara
Founder: Kazusa Kidosaki
This article was written by 韩爽. The translation is powered by AI.
