2026 Laureate – The Robert Matthew Prize for Sustainable and Humane Environments
Song Yehao (b. 1970, China) is an architect, educator, and a leading voice in sustainable architecture.
His work is grounded in the belief that design must be context-driven, community-centered, and rooted in cultural traditions.
Following his doctoral research at Tsinghua University, he has developed innovative approaches that reinterpret vernacular architecture through scientific methods, integrating natural ventilation, daylighting, and resource-efficient strategies into contemporary design.
A professor at Tsinghua University since 2008 and founder of SUP Atelier (2011), Song Yehao’s practice spans both rural and urban contexts.
Across these contexts, his approach—described as “evolutionary sustainability”—seeks to reconcile tradition and modernity, combining scientific rigour with cultural continuity.
Widely recognised internationally, his work has received numerous awards, including distinctions from the UIA, ARCASIA, and major global platforms. His projects are featured in the UIA Guidebook for the 2030 Agenda, reflecting their significance as models for sustainable development.
Jury’s remarks
“Song Yehao is recognised for an architecture that is diverse and inclusive, grounded in context and traditional wisdom, and defined by a seamless fusion of science and art, sustainability and poetic creativity.”
This poetic dimension elevates his work beyond conventional technical limits, reflecting a spirit of continuous experimentation and the pursuit of new methods.
In his projects, sustainable architecture is a foundational principle, yet never rigid or dry; instead, it unlocks new layers of meaning and beauty. His work demonstrates how environmental responsibility can generate architectural expression while remaining deeply connected to context and culture.
