Chilean Architect Smiljan Radić Wins 2026 Pritzker Prize

Chilean architect Smiljan Radić has been awarded the 2026 Pritzker Prize, the most prestigious honor in architecture. Born in Santiago in 1965, Radić becomes the fifth Latin American and second Chilean recipient, following Alejandro Aravena (2016), Paulo Mendes da Rocha (2006), Oscar Niemeyer (1988), and Luis Barragán (1980). The prize jury praised his work for embracing fragility over certainty, creating structures that appear temporary or unfinished yet provide shelter and generosity. Radić's practice, which began gaining attention in the 1990s, operates at the intersection of architecture, landscape, and culture, producing works that blend archaic and futuristic qualities. He frequently collaborates with sculptor Marcela Correa. His projects, initially concentrated in Chile, now span globally. Notable works include Casa Pite (2005) in Papudo, Chile, a coastal residence of fragmented volumes on rocky formations; Casa del Poema del Ángulo Recto (2013) in Vilches, Chile, a contemplative home inspired by Le Corbusier; Bodega VIK (2013) in Millahue, Chile, a partially buried winery integrated into the terrain; the Serpentine Pavilion (2014) in London, a translucent fiberglass temporary structure that gained international recognition; and the Teatro Regional del Biobío (2018) in Concepción, Chile, a cultural complex with a translucent facade. Radić's architecture is noted for its experimental material use, response to specific contexts, and conceptual rigor.