Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan’s pioneering female architect, has awarded the prestigious King Royal Gold Medal. She was honored for Architecture in the UK in recognition of her outstanding efforts in promoting zero-carbon self-build designs. This remarkable achievement highlights Lari’s groundbreaking work in sustainable architecture. Her dedication to creating innovative and practical solutions for the most vulnerable and marginalized populations is worth noticing.
On Thursday, the British High Commission in Pakistan tweeted:
“Congrats Yasmeen Lari on winning His Majesty the King’s Royal Gold Medal for Architecture!,”
The high commission recently released photographs depicting a group of students from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Britain, assembled at Granny Square in London. The purpose of their gathering was to actively construct two environmentally friendly structures, designed by Lari, with the aim of achieving zero to low carbon emissions.
According to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Gold Medal is one of the most prestigious honors in the field of architecture. The medal is personally approved by the monarch. This accolade bestowed upon an individual or a group of people who have made significant contributions to the advancement of architecture.
The Royal Gold Medal has awarded since 1848 and recognized many renowned architects over the years. Among the past recipients are Balkrishna Doshi (2022), Sir David Adjaye OBE (2021), Dame Zaha Hadid (2016), Frank Gehry (2000), Lord Norman Foster (1983), Frank Lloyd Wright (1941), and Sir George Gilbert Scott (1859).
Yasmeen Lari, the trailblazing force in Pakistan, set to receive the Royal Gold Medal in June 2023. With an illustrious career spanning over the years, Lari has made an immeasurable impact on architecture in the country. Yasmeen has earned well-deserved recognition.
In 2000, after retiring from her previous occupation, she started developing eco-friendly and affordable construction methods to fight poverty. Also, displacement due to natural disasters, and the aftermath of climate change was her main goal. Along with her husband, Suhail Zaheer Lari, she co-founded the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan in 1980. This organization introduced innovative self-building sustainable housing designs and has constructed over 50,000 homes.
