Born in 1956 in Hitachi, Japan, Kazuyo Sejima emerged as a central figure in contemporary architecture through a precise, minimalist aesthetic. After completing her studies at Japan Women's University in 1981, she initiated a career that would redefine the spatial boundaries of institutional and residential design, eventually leading to global recognition for her collaborative and individual contributions to the field.
Early Career and Education
Sejima attended Sukegawa Junior High School and Ibaraki Prefectural Mito First High School before enrolling at Japan Women's University, where she earned her degree in 1979 and completed a master's program in 1981. She launched her professional journey by apprenticing with Toyo Ito and Associates, remaining there until 1987. That year, she established her own practice, Kazuyo Sejima & Associates.
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In 1995, Sejima partnered with Ryue Nishizawa, a former student and employee from her firm, to establish SANAA, or Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates. Based in Tokyo, this partnership facilitated large-scale international projects. The duo gained prominence for their innovative approach to space, movement, and transparency, eventually becoming one of the most significant collaborative forces in modern architecture.
Architectural Impact and Recognition
Sejima’s portfolio includes notable structures such as the Saishunkan Seiyaku Women's Dormitory, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, and the Rolex Learning Center in Switzerland. In 2010, she received the Pritzker Architecture Prize alongside Nishizawa. Additionally, she became the first woman to curate the Venice Biennale’s architecture sector in 2010.
Academic and Institutional Roles
Throughout her career, Sejima has balanced private practice with pedagogical responsibilities. She has held teaching positions at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, Japan Women's University, and Tama Art University. Her work is frequently associated with the Neues Bauen movement, reflecting a commitment to functionalist and rationalist design principles that prioritize light and fluidity.
Fast facts
- Born: 1956, Hitachi, Japan
- Citizenship: Japan
- Partnered with Ryue Nishizawa in 1995
- Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate: 2010
- First woman to curate the Venice Biennale architecture sector: 2010
- Notable work: Institut Valencià d'Art Modern
- Recipient of the Officer of Arts and Letters: 2010
- Member of SANAA
Questions readers ask
What is SANAA?
SANAA is the Tokyo-based architecture firm co-founded by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa in 1995.
Has Sejima received the Pritzker Prize?
Yes, she was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2010, sharing the honor with her partner, Ryue Nishizawa.
Achievements
- Pritzker Architecture Prize — 2010
- Notable work: Institut Valencià d'Art Modern
- Affiliated with Tama Art University, Japan Women's University and University of Applied Arts Vienna
- Educated at Japan Women's University, Ibaraki Prefectural Mito First High School and Sukegawa Junior High School
- Worked as architect
