Junya Ishigami (Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, 1974) founded his own studio, junya.ishigami+associates, in 2004 after completing a master’s degree at the Department of Architecture of the Tokyo University of the Arts and working at Kazuyo Sejima & Associates. His work combines conceptual rigor with a poetic and experimental approach, exploring the relationship between space, nature, and human perception.
Among his most recognized projects are the Kanagawa Institute of Technology KAIT Workshop / KAIT Plaza, the Park Groot Vijversburg Visitor Center, MIZUNIWA, the Serpentine Pavilion 2019, and the House & Restaurant at the Zaishui Art Museum—spaces that demonstrate his ability to subtly and unexpectedly merge architecture with its surroundings.
Ishigami has been honored with prestigious international awards, including the Golden Lion for Best Project at the 12th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale (2010), the Mainichi Design Award (2010), the Artistic Encouragement Prize for Emerging Artists (Fine Arts) from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (2019), the OBEL Award, the Frederick Kiesler Prize for Architecture and the Arts (2019), the Architectural Institute of Japan Prize (2025), and he was elected Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (2025). His career challenges conventions and redefines the way we perceive and inhabit space, establishing him as one of the most original and influential voices in contemporary architecture.
