BACK TO MY ROOTS

This year’s recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize is Burkina Faso native DIÉBÉDO FRANCIS KÉRÉ, a forward-thinking visionary not afraid to work in some of the world’s least developed regions. bruce scott takes a look back at his past triumphs and future endeavours

In the field of architecture there’s perhaps no greater honour than receiving the Pritzker Prize, an annual award bestowed upon architects whose work demonstrates a combination of talent, vision, and commitment. The award itself, a beautiful bronze medallion, is given in tandem with a cash prize of US$100,000 (RM440,000), and past recipients have included such luminaries as Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, and I.M. Pei.

Earlier this year it was announced by Tom Pritzker – Chairman of The Hyatt Foundation, which sponsors the award –  that the 2022 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize was to be Diébédo Francis Kéré. Known for his groundbreaking work in some of Africa’s least developed regions, he is acclaimed not only as an architect but also as an educator and social activist.

“Francis Kéré is pioneering architecture – sustainable to the Earth and its inhabitants – in lands of extreme scarcity,” Pritzker commented. “He is equally architect and servant, improving upon the lives and experiences of countless citizens in a region of the world that is at times forgotten. Through buildings that demonstrate beauty, modesty, boldness and invention, and by the integrity of his architecture, he gracefully upholds the mission of this prize.”

Born in Gando, a small village in the impoverished African nation of Burkina Faso, the career path of Francis Kéré has been full of extraordinary twists and turns. Growing up, he was the eldest son of the village chief and the first in his community to attend school. However, he had to leave home –  at age seven –  and relocate to the slightly larger village of Tenkodogo to do so, since Gando had no school.