by ArchitectureWeek

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Ningbo Historic Museum, in Ningbo, China, 2003 to 2008.
Photo: Lv Hengzhong/ Courtesy Amateur Architecture Studio

The Pritzker Architecture Prize has usually been given to an internationally well-known architect. In contrast, with the announcement of the 2012 Pritzker Prize award to Wang Shu last week, many architectural observers confronted a Pritzker-winning oeuvre being seen for almost the first time.

With significantly less critical review of Wang Shu's creations having occurred previous to his Pritzker Prize than usual, at least in English — and standing among the ranks of newcomers to Wang Shu — the editors of ArchitectureWeek will not move quickly in expressing interpretation and evaluation of his body of work.

Not only is there the challenge of accurate interpretation through translation of technical and architectural theory terminology, and in robust fact-checking back to sources in China, but in addition Wang Shu has built in an impressively wide variety of building types and styles. A fair and lasting assessment of such a range of designs as we see from his office is not likely to be reached overnight.

At the same time — overnight as it were — Wang Shu is now in fact an important international architect.

This gallery is offered, therefore, so that Wang Shu's work may speak for itself — as all architecture ultimately must.

We hope you can join us in taking a long and thoughtful look.

— The Editors

Xiangshan Campus, patterning with external stairs and door and window openings. Photo: Lv Hengzhong/ Courtesy Amateur Architecture Studio Extra Large Image

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Vertical Courtyard Apartments in Hangzhou, China, 2004 to 2007.
Photo: Lu Wenyu/ Courtesy Amateur Architecture Studio Extra Large Image

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE Chinese architect Wang Shu, recipient of the 2012 Pritzker Architecture Prize. Photo: Zhu Chenzhou SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE Ningbo Historic Museum, detail of the stone and concrete walls. Photo: Lv Hengzhong/ Courtesy Amateur Architecture Studio Extra Large Image SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE Ningbo Historic Museum, interior atrium. Photo: Lv Hengzhong/ Courtesy Amateur Architecture Studio Extra Large Image Xiangshan Campus, deep window openings in a concrete wall. Photo: Lv Hengzhong/ Courtesy Amateur Architecture Studio Extra Large Image Phase two of the Xiangshan Campus of the China Academy of Art, in Hangzhou, China, 2002 to 2007. Photo: Lv Hengzhong/ Courtesy Amateur Architecture Studio Extra Large Image SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE Xiangshan Campus, courtyard between the two buildings with swooping concrete roofs. Photo: Lv Hengzhong/ Courtesy Amateur Architecture Studio Extra Large Image   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.