The Pritzker Prize, established in 1979 by the Hyatt Foundation, has honored over 50 architects, solidifying its status as one of the most significant accolades in contemporary architecture. This prize continues to be one of the most influential indicators of professional recognition in the field. However, its history also reveals ongoing debates regarding representation, notably highlighting that only six women have received the award to date, underscoring a gender imbalance in the recognition of contributions to this profession.

Among the six women honored, only Zaha Hadid was awarded the prize as an individual, receiving this recognition in 2004. Subsequent awards have involved collaborative teams or collective studios, which has generated conversations about how diversity is recognized in architecture. Notable duo awards include Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa in 2010, and partnerships like that of Carme Pigem with RCR Arquitectes in 2017, followed by Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara in 2020, and Anne Lacaton alongside Jean-Philippe Vassal in 2021. This pattern suggests a shift towards greater inclusion, even as the question of individual recognition remains a topic of debate.

The composition and profile of the juries, along with the winners themselves, have undergone gradual changes, reflecting broader discussions about diversity and the social role of architecture. The acknowledgment of architects like Smiljan Radic is thus significant not only for their individual accomplishments but also for what their recognition conveys about the evolving landscape of the architecture profession, especially concerning underrepresented voices.