KKAA Newsletter #44 (April 26, 2024) See in English 日本語で見る

#44 November 9, 2021


I am happy to report that I have been selected as one of “The Most Influential People of 2021” by Time Magazine in the U.S. The text summarized the reasons for me being selected as my championing of the ideal of “losing architecture” was written by Kenjiro Hosaka, who was the curator of the special exhibition of Kengo Kuma that was held at the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo.

His comment of “Such public projects—which require architects to accept certain conditions and demands, and limit their freedom of expression—can nonetheless gain natural sympathy and create a welcome new space for communities“ made me the most happy.

The reason for this is that gaining sympathy within the limits of various projects is the most important thing for me. The “limits” on architecture will most likely increase an extensive amount in the future. Budgets will continue to decrease, and requirements concerning the environment and universal design will transition to a much higher level.

This trend poses the possibility that only boring architecture with no sense of presence will be built if things go wrong. Therefore, in light of this difficult situation, it is extremely important to continue to work hard to gain the sympathy of people for architecture. I strongly feel that accomplishing this is my true mission in life.

Kengo Kuma © Onebeat Breakzenya

NewsKengo Kuma has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people.Kengo Kuma has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people. The 100 Most Influential People of 2021 time.com/collection Read More
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ProjectsOath Hill ParkDeep in the heart of “Tenbou Park’, halfway up the well renowned Kintaro Fujimi Hiking trail, we designed an arbor and restroom that resonates with the beautiful soaring form of Mount Fuji. Wooden beam and columns fan out in an “umbrella” form that draws inspiration from the parabolic ridgeline of Mount Fuji. The beam and columns are held together by steel rings in the center, and by connecting the two “umbrellas,” we achieved a rigid frame structure (Rahmen structure). Each structural material contributes in a different manner; The wood gives flexibility, the steel rigidity, and the roof membrane permeates light giving the arbor a welcoming warmth. The wooden structure is covered with a membrane finished with a fluorinated coating for weather proofing. At night, the wooden structure is silhouetted against a moonlit forest. Read More
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ProjectsNabeshima Shoto Park ToiletIn the lush forest of Shoto Park, we designed a “public restroom village”. 5 independent restroom units are covered with randomly angled live-edge cedar louvers. The units are connected by a “forest path”, blending into the forest. Each restroom takes on unique characteristics in its planning, furnishing and interior finishes that fit various concepts, such as easy use for children, wheelchair accessibility, or maintenance of personal appearance. By creating separated volumes for each restroom stall, we managed to create a “public restroom village” that allows circulation and natural ventilation to cut through the facility, an environment suitable for the post-covid era. Restrooms are becoming more diverse, more forest-like in its nature. *not available for publication Read More