This year the coveted Pritzker Prize, also known as the Nobel Prize of Architecture, goes to Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. Born in 1931, he is considered one of the most important names in contemporary design. At the age of 87, Isozaki is the eighth Japanese architect to receive this award. Established in 1979 at the behest of Jay Pritzker, an entrepreneur and American philanthropist who died in 1999, this prestigious award has twice been the preserve of Italian architects, with Aldo Rossi in 1990 and Renzo Piano in 1998. The jury named Isozaki as a "designer capable of overcoming the architectural structure to address demands that transcend ages and borders." Isozaki will receive the award during a ceremony to be held in May at the Chateau de Versailles. As usual, the winner will receive $100,000, a scroll and a bronze medal. Isozaki’s major works include the Allianz Skyscraper in Milan (2015), the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles (1981-1986), the Centennial Hall in Nara (1992-98) and the Olympic hockey stadium in Turin (2000-06). The new release of the Uffizi of Florence is still expected, for which the Japanese architect won the international competition in 1999.