Who is Arata Isozaki?

Arata Isozaki is a world-renowned Japanese architect who has work standing in virtually every continent of the world. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), in Los Angeles, California, was designed by Isozaki. In 2019, Isozaki was awarded the Pritzker Prize, one of architecture’s highest honors.

Arata Isozaki was born on July 23rd, 1931, in Oita, Japan. He graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in architecture and engineering. World War ll had an exceptional influence on his view of architecture. He was only 12 years old when Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed; he later developed a style that reflects both Japanese traditions and Western postmodern influences. 

Isozaki studied with Kenzo Tange, who was Japan’s leading modernist architect. Isozaki became Tange’s star pupil and even continued to work with his mentor throughout the 1970s. He was invited to be the chief architect of Osaka’s 1970 Expo with Tange, which had to have been an honor.

A visionary with a sense of humor, Isozaki designed the Fujimi Country Club in Oita City, which took the shape of a question mark to represent Isozaki being confused by the country’s obsession with golf.

Disney contracted a small exclusive group of architects who designed buildings throughout the United States, which included Isozaki. He created the Team Disney Building located just outside of Orlando, which has been referred to as architecturally pure.

Another breathtaking design is the Barcelona Olympic Stadium, which includes the Palau Sant Jordi designed in 1992 by Isozaki. 

Arata Isozaki’s architecture is so personal that it defies any particular school of thought. 

Some of his other works include:

Allianz Tower in Milan, Italy

Art Tower Mito in Japan

Shanghai Symphony Hall in China

Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio

Palazzo del Nuoto in Turin, Italy

The Tsukuba Civic Center in Japan

Be sure to check out the incredible body of work he has created. Now that you know who Arata Isozaki is, you will never forget him.

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A geometry to celebrate for Anthology Interiors. Water jet cut sconces Mondrian styled…

by Gerald Olesker, CEO, ADG Lighting