In a landmark moment for architectural innovation, Chinese architect Xu Tiantian has become the first-ever laureate from China to win the Wolf Prize in Architecture! 🏘️ Announced on March 10, the 2025 honor recognizes Xu’s transformative rural revitalization projects that have revived villages across the country, blending modern design with cultural preservation.
Born in Fujian Province in 1975, Xu’s journey took her from Tsinghua University to Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. After returning to the Chinese mainland in 2004, she founded her firm, DnA – a name that captures her mission: Design and Architecture.
Her work isn’t just about buildings—it’s about community revival. Using local materials and traditional techniques, Xu creates sustainable spaces like libraries, museums, and cultural centers that empower rural areas. 🎨 One standout project? The revitalization of Songyang County, where disused factories became vibrant public hubs. 🌾
The Wolf Prize committee praised her for ‘socially inclusive architecture that bridges heritage and modernity.’ For young architects and sustainability advocates, Xu’s win is a masterclass in using creativity to drive change. 👏
Reference(s):
Historic first: Chinese architect wins Wolf Prize in Architecture
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