ARCHITECTS / N

Shelley McNamara (born 1952) is an Irish architect and co-founder of Grafton Architects, known for her context-sensitive, materially rich designs. She has led acclaimed projects such as the Universita Luigi Bocconi in Milan, the Toulouse School of Economics, and the Town House at Kingston University, which won the RIBA Stirling Prize (2021). Her work emphasizes spatial generosity, natural light, and a deep respect for local environments. In 2020, she and Yvonne Farrell received the Pritzker Prize for their contributions to human-centered, sustainable architecture. As an educator and designer, McNamara continues to shape contemporary architectural discourse.

Pier Luigi Nervi (1891–1979) was an Italian architect and structural engineer celebrated for his pioneering use of reinforced concrete. His innovative work combined engineering precision with artistic expression, leading to iconic projects such as the Palazzetto dello Sport in Rome, the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco, and the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Nervi’s designs showcased elegant, geometric forms and structural efficiency, influencing the development of modern stadiums, bridges, and civic buildings. His contributions to concrete technology and construction methods remain fundamental in 20th-century architecture and structural engineering.

Richard Neutra (1892–1970) was an Austrian-American architect known for his sleek, modernist residences that integrated nature and technology. A key figure in mid-century modernism, he designed iconic homes such as the Kaufmann Desert House, the Lovell Health House, and the VDL Research House. His architecture emphasized open plans, expansive glass facades, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections, reflecting his belief in architecture as a means to enhance well-being. Neutra’s influence extended globally, shaping modern residential design with his fusion of functionality, simplicity, and environmental sensitivity. His work remains a cornerstone of Californian and international modernist architecture.

Oscar Niemeyer (1907–2012) was a Brazilian architect renowned for his sensual, curvilinear forms and innovative use of concrete. A leading figure in modernism, he designed many of Brasília’s government buildings, including the National Congress of Brazil, as well as global landmarks like the United Nations Headquarters (with Le Corbusier) and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Niterói. His architecture blended sculptural elegance with structural audacity, often inspired by the fluidity of natural landscapes. Awarded the Pritzker Prize (1988), Niemeyer’s visionary work continues to inspire architects seeking to merge artistic expression with functional design.

Ryue Nishizawa (born 1966) is a leading figure in contemporary Japanese architecture, recognized for his poetic use of space and sensitivity to context. He co-founded SANAA (Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates) with Kazuyo Sejima in 1995, producing a body of work that merges minimalist aesthetics with complex spatial organization. Notable projects include the Teshima Art Museum, the Rolex Learning Center, and the Louvre-Lens. In parallel, he leads his own practice, Office of Ryue Nishizawa, where he pursues more personal and experimental designs. In 2010, he and Sejima received the Pritzker Architecture Prize for their influential architectural practice.

Jean Nouvel (born 1945) is a French architect known for his bold, high-tech designs that challenge architectural norms. A master of context-driven innovation, his major works include the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Torre Glòries in Barcelona. Nouvel’s architecture is defined by material experimentation, dramatic contrasts, and technological advancements, often creating immersive experiences through light, transparency, and dynamic facades. Awarded the Pritzker Prize (2008), he remains a leading force in contemporary architecture, continuously pushing the boundaries of form, perception, and urban integration.