Rice School of Architecture is proud to announce that Joshua Jih Pan, FAIA, has been selected as the recipient of the school’s 2024 Alumni Award. The firm he founded, JJP Architects + Planners, has been a beacon of innovative design and sustainable development across Taiwan and beyond.
Established in 2023 by Dean Igor Marjanović and the William Ward Watkin Council, the Alumni Award recognizes graduates of the school who have made significant contributions to the field through innovative design practice, community engagement, and leadership. The award celebrates alumni—emerging or established—whose pursuit of excellence continues to inspire faculty, students, and fellow alumni.
“Joshua Jih Pan’s contributions to architecture and urban design have made an enduring impact,” said Dean Marjanović. “His work reflects the kind of thoughtful, community-driven, and sustainable design that aligns with the values of our school. We are thrilled to honor him with this year’s Alumni Award.”
Pan received his bachelor of architecture degree from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in 1963 before pursuing advanced studies at Rice University, where he obtained his professional architecture degree. He later earned a master’s degree in urban design from Columbia University under Professor Percival Goodman, whose teachings on social and environmental design had a lasting influence on Pan’s approach to architecture. After gaining professional experience in the United States, Pan returned to Taiwan in 1976 and founded JJP Architects + Planners in 1981. His firm has since become synonymous with sustainable urban growth and architectural excellence.
Over his illustrious career, Pan has been recognized with numerous lifetime honors, including the National Award for Arts from Taiwan’s National Culture and Arts Foundation, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Global Views Leaders Forum, the NCKU Outstanding Alumnus Award, and the Republic of China’s Outstanding Architect Award. Notably, he is the first Taiwanese architect to be named a fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA).
Pan’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in a social perspective. He believes that architects must confront challenges with honesty, striving to create timeless designs that are not only functional but also environmentally sensitive and socially compassionate. His work consistently balances form and function while embracing technological innovation and cultural reflection.
With over four decades of practice, Joshua Jih Pan’s contributions to the field extend far beyond the structures he has designed. His commitment to blending social concern, cultural sensitivity, and innovative architectural principles has shaped both communities and the profession itself.
Join us in honoring Joshua Jih Pan on November 1, 2024, at 4:30 in the Farish Gallery, as we celebrate his outstanding contributions to the world of architecture.