After awarding the German architect Frei Otto last year, the Chilean Alejandro Aravenawon the 41st Pritzker Prize, the architecture's most prestigious recognition since 1979, and the Award Ceremony will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on 4 April.
Announcing the winner Tom Pritzker, President of the Hyatt Foundation, which sponsors the prize: "The jury has selected an architect who deepens our understanding of what is truly great design. Alejandro Aravena has pioneered a collaborative practice that produces powerful works of architecture, and also addresses key challenges of the 21st century. His built work gives economic opportunity to the less privileged, mitigates the effects of natural disasters, reduces energy consumption, and provides welcoming public space. Innovative and inspiring, he shows how architecture at its best can improve people's lives."