Sang Dae Lee wins 2024 American Prize for Architecture

The South Korean-born academic, architect, and urban designer Sang Dae Lee has been awarded the 2024 American Prize for Architecture by both The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

The Kennesaw State University professor and founder of UNITEDLAB Associates, Lee, was praised as a "formidable, one-of-a-kind design visionary who is pushing the envelope in today’s architecture practice" who was also noticeably "interested in an architecture that combines with human beings to fit strongly in nature and society" by Chicago Athenaeum President/CEO Christian Narkiewicz-Laine.

Although his studio's list of works is more extensive abroad, the jury noted UNITEDLAB's 2022 proposal 'Lofted Ambitions: Revitalizing Salt Lake City's Founding Utopian Ideals' in Salt Lake City, Utah. His 2008 Magok Waterfront reclamation and Hadohilljo Townhouse Project village with Gajung Architects also received superlative recognition.

Narkiewicz-Laine said of the Utah project: "[It] demonstrates Lee’s affinity for disrupting architectural language through profoundly emotional means. The floating utopia showcases designated 'neighborhoods' with orchards, gardens, plazas, and lakes, creating a captivating experience in the city's skyline. The drawings illustrate a foreboding sensation. Overcoming obstacles of the existing urban layout with its large streets and blocks, Lee’s proposal serves as a pilot study to revitalize downtown Salt Lake City, block by block, enhancing the human experience while honoring nature."

The Prize, organized jointly by two public institutions, was first established in 1994. Past laureates include Norman Foster, Michael Graves, the General Services Administration, and Trey Trahan. 

Lee studied at Kookmin University in South Korea before emigrating to the United States to complete a Master’s degree at SCI-Arc. He had worked previously for Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Gensler, and Davis Brody Bond before forming UNITEDLAB in 2006.