Invited Speakers

Born in 1941. After graduating from the University of Tokyo, Department of Architecture in 1965, Mr. Ito Worked for the Metabolist architect Kiyonori Kikutake until 1969. In 1971 he opened his own office, Urban Robot, which was renamed to Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects in 1979. He has been a commissioner of the Kumamoto Artpolis since 2005.

Main works:

Sendai Mediatheque, TOD'S Omotesando Building, Tama Art University Library (Hachioji campus), The Main Stadium for the World Games 2009 in Kaohsiung (Taiwan R.O.C.), Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture, Imabari, etc.

Under development; Taichung Metropolitan Opera House (Taiwan R.O.C.), Extension for "The Fair of Barcelona Gran Via Venue" (Spain), Multimedia Complex on the site of Gifu University's School of Medicine (tentative) etc.

Awards and Prizes:

Architectural Institute of Japan Prize (1986, 2003), Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement from the 8th International Architecture Exhibition “NEXT” at the Venice Biennale (2002), Royal Gold Medal from The Royal Institute of British Architects (2006), The 22nd Praemium Imperiale in Honor of Prince Takamatsu (2010), etc.