'This year, more than ever, we have felt that we are part of humankind as a whole,' says Alejandro Aravena, Chair of the Pritzker Architecture Prize Jury. Like much of their work, it's not very glamorous to the casual observer, but improved life for those living in the 530 social housing apartments while creating far less waste and pollution than the construction of a new building would have. Working with Druot and Christophe Hutin in 2017, Lacaton and Vassal transformed the complex by again removing the original concrete facade and replacing it with a modern glazed facade.Īlong the way, the team modernized the complex's aging elevators and plumbing, while expanding the living space of the residential units – all without the displacement of any residents. The transformation of the Grand Parc social housing estate in Bordeaux is another career highlight. Larger projects soon followed, some in their home country and others around the world, with many focused on improving existing social housing. They took six months to decide on the ideal location in Niamey, Niger, then constructed a simple temporary straw hut that lasted two years before being destroyed by wind. Lacaton and Vassal began their career with their first joint project in Africa in 1984. Moreover, it has a very negative social impact.

It is a waste of many things – a waste of energy, a waste of material, and a waste of history. 'The demolishing is a decision of easiness and short term. 'Transformation is the opportunity of doing more and better with what is already existing,' explains Lacaton. Indeed, whereas some architects would jump at the chance to demolish an old building and put their own stamp on a city, Lacaton and Vassal have a 'Make do and Mend' approach that they clearly feel passionate about. Lacaton and Vassal met at in architecture school in Bordeaux in the 1970s and have since refined an approach to their craft that is modest and practical. French duo Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal are the deserving winners, with the judges lauding the pair's decades-long efforts to improve and extend existing buildings. The winners of the most prestigious award in architecture, the Pritzker Prize, have been announced.

Humankind vassal