French duo win architecture's top prize

left) French duo Jean-Philippe Vassal and Anne Lacaton; (right) the Ourcq Jaures Student and Social Housing in Paris, built in 2014. Photo: AFP

The Pritzker Prize – architecture's most prestigious award – was bestowed yesterday to French duo Jean-Philippe Vassal and Anne Lacaton for their affordable, eco-friendly spaces that prioritise the wellbeing of many.

Vassal, 67, and Lacaton, 65, received the accolade – which was first awarded in 1979 and comes with US$100,000 (RM412,150) in prize money – for their work in transforming urban housing into uplifting and sustainable spaces on modest budgets.