Biography

1941      Born in Seoul Metropolitan City and grew up in Nagano, the hometown of his father

1965    Graduated from The University of Tokyo, Department of Architecture

1965-69          Worked at Kiyonori Kikutake Architects and Associates

1971    Started his own studio, Urban Robot (URBOT) in Tokyo

1979    Changed its name to Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects

Awards and Prizes

2002      Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement from the 8th International Architecture Exhibition “NEXT” at the Venice Biennale

2006    Royal Gold Medal from The Royal Institute of British Architects

2010    2009 The Asahi Prize / The 22nd Praemium Imperiale in Honor of Prince Takamatsu

2012      Golden Lion for Best National Participation for the Japan Pavilion 13th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale (Served as Commissioner)

2013    Pritzker Architecture Prize

2016    The Grand Prize of Architectural Institute of Japan

2017    UIA Gold Medal

Main Works

2001    Sendai Mediatheque (Miyagi, Japan)

2002    Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2002 (London, UK)

2004    TOD’S Omotesando Building (Tokyo, Japan)

2006    ‘Meiso no Mori’ Municipal Funeral Hall (Gifu, Japan) / Hospital Cognacq-Jay (Paris, France)

2007    Tama Art University Library (Hachioji campus) (Tokyo, Japan)

2008    ZA-KOENJI Public Theatre (Tokyo, Japan)

2009      Kaohsiung National Stadium (Kaohsiung, Taiwan R.O.C.)

2010    Torres Porta Fira (Barcelona, Spain)

2011    Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture, Imabari (Ehime, Japan)

2013    National Taiwan University, College of Social Sciences (Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.)

2015      ‘Minna no Mori’ Gifu Media Cosmos (Gifu, Japan)

2016    Museo Internacional del Barroco (Puebla, Mexico) / National Taichung Theater (Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C.)