The 2020 Isamu Noguchi Award goes to Sir David Adjaye and Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang – Archinect

Acclaimed Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye and noted Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang have been named as the 2020 Isamu Noguchi Award winners by the Isamu Noguchi Museum in New York City. Both have made several impacts in their respective industries as well as throughout the design world. 

Each year, the award is presented to individuals who embody global consciousness, design innovation, and emphasis on cultural exchanges between Eastern and Western cultures. Similar to Noguchi and his dedication to innovation and cultural awareness, Adjaye and Cai have used their multi-disciplinary talents to create new ways for contemporary social issues to be presented within the built environment and design.

Having both received many honors and accolades celebrating their work, Cai is most recognized for innovative exhibitions that incorporate gunpowder to explosive effects. His mesmerizing pyrotechnic work has made him a highly celebrated contemporary artist. The museum reflects on Cai’s work and states, “Cai’s involvement in diverse fields reflects the same multidisciplinary, boundary-defying spirit that Noguchi embraced.”

Adjaye, a household name within the architecture community, has positioned him as a leader in his profession. He is recognized for his contributions to collaborative projects like The National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC to individual residential projects like Sugar Hill in New York. “Like Noguchi, he is committed to a multidisciplinary practice, with projects ranging from private houses, bespoke furniture collections, product design, exhibitions, and temporary pavilions to major arts centers, civic buildings, and master plans.” states the museum.

Past recipients of the award have gone to Japanese Industrial Designer Naoto Fukasawa (2018), American landscape designer Edwina von Gal (2018), Japanese architect Tadao Ando (2016), and American sculptor Elyn Zimmerman (2016),

The presentation of the award will take place during the museum’s annual benefit on May 19, 2020.