Historic first: Chinese architect wins Wolf Prize in Architecture

For the first time in its history, the prestigious Wolf Prize in Architecture has been awarded to a Chinese architect. On March 10, female Chinese architect Xu Tiantian was announced as the 2025 laureate, recognized "for her architecture that transformed villages throughout China economically, socially, and culturally." Her groundbreaking work in rural revitalization has reshaped communities across the country, earning her international acclaim.

Born in 1975 in Fujian Province, Xu Tiantian earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Tsinghua University and later obtained a Master of Architecture in Urban Design (MAUD) from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

In 2004, she returned to China and established her firm, DnA (Design and Architecture.) Since then, she has been at the forefront of innovative rural development, integrating local materials and construction techniques. Her approach prioritizes communal spaces and sustainability, fostering a rural architectural renaissance rooted in inclusivity and cultural heritage.

Xu's influence is especially evident in Songyang County, Zhejiang Province, where her public buildings blend seamlessly with the surrounding mountains. Notable examples include a brown sugar factory, a tea house, and a poetry museum, all of which have contributed to local revitalization efforts. One of her most prominent projects is the Shimen Bridge in the county, a public structure that embodies her design philosophy.

Beyond rural China, Xu's influence extends to urban environments. The Songzhuang Art Museum in Beijing is one of her landmark projects. The museum serves as a cultural hub for a thriving artistic community. It coexists with the remnants of former warehouses and energy infrastructure, providing a striking contrast to the traditional courtyard houses that define the surrounding residential areas.