AR.KENGO KUMA “I’m thinking about what is the material for the building, what is the finish of the building.”
隈 研吾
BIOGRAPHY • The architect Kengo Kuma, born in 1954 in Kanagawa, is considered one of the most significant contemporary Japanese architects. • After graduating from the University of Tokyo (1979), he studied at Colombia University for two years as a visiting researcher (1985-86). • In 1987 he founded the Spatial Design Studio (now Kengo Kuma & Associates) and opened his Paris Studio in 2008.
PHILOSOPHY • His design vision expresses the emotional content of materials, linked to intrinsic characteristics in construction and the teachings of Japanese traditions. • In his buildings, he is committed both to Nature and Asian traditions: “The essence of my work is the use of natural materials to create airy, open rooms filled with sunlight.” With highly thought-provoking, original designs, the philosophical and aesthetic consequence of which astound, Kengo Kuma is an established member of Japan’s architectural elite. • “Almost tuning in” to the materials themselves, Kuma has for years “engaged in a serious critique of what is defined as the “concrete method of construction”, in his desire to find an alternative to this material that “dominates” the world (Treccani).
The Birch Moss Chapel • This has got to be one of the loveliest architectural concepts I have ever seen. Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma and Associates built a chapel in the mountain town of Karuizawa, in Japan’s Nagano prefecture out of birch trees, steel, glass, acrylic, and moss. • This lyrical, stunning structure is perfectly camouflaged among its surroundings. • The architects used the birch trees as pillars and the stone and moss-covered pathway that leads to the chapel continues inside, blurring the line even more. A glass curtain wall and acrylic pews allow only the natural aspects of this special place to be present.
FA BO • Kengo Kuma and Associates created the Fa-bo showroom for textile company Komatsu Seiren, and it is located in Nomi, part of Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture. • Originally a boxy grey office block, the building now has a completely refurbished interior, while the carbon fibres are arranged in a draping pattern around the facade. • "The fibre rod is said to be seven times stronger than iron, and this is the very first time that this material was used as a means of reinforcement against earthquakes," said the studio
FA BO • Drawing from a technique of braiding ropes in this region, it became possible to add further flexibility to the carbon fibre." • The carbon fibre ropes are pulled taut over a metal frame on the building's green roof and then angled down over the facades to meet the ground. • Gaps left between the fibres, which are arranged in sections like curtains, provide entrance points to the building. These lead through to white, fabric-draped interiors.
Meditation House Meditation plays a significant role in the Far East; Japan has built since hundreds of years houses predominantly out of wood; Architect Kengo Kuma is recognized as the master of combining nature and inspirational design.
Meditation House • The Meditation House in the forest is an architectural „piece of art“ – designed by Architect Kengo Kuma from Tokyo.
• A truly relaxing place to retreat for guests, who wish to practice meditation during their stay in Kranzbach –either alone or with a coach. In absolute tranquility. For everyone, who in the ever more stressful outside world would like to find inner peace.
Water/Glass House By Kengo Kuma • Situated on a hill overlooking Atami, Japan southwest of Tokyo, this spectacular ocean view villa has a striking oval dinning room that appears to be on an island surrounded by water. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, this glass house in which water is also a key component has the effect of a structure floating on water. • The oval dinning room is connected to the rest of the house by a glass corridor. The infinity-edge reflecting pool connects the house to the ocean and the coastline.
MISONA-ZA THEATER • Architect Kengo Kuma has revived an existing theater in Nagoya, Japan with bold red color and black square tiles, creating a special motif that could match the "flower" of the city. • Called Misono-za, the existing theater is located in the, a place has center of Nagoya’s theater districtlong cultivated performance art and artists and is known as the place of entertainment within Japan. • The 3,641-square-metre building is considered as an unusual building as it is integrated with a shopping center facing a main road, as well apartments above the theater.
MISONA-ZA THEATER • "The former theatre had walls of Namako-kabe (black square tiles with raised white grout), and we used this as the motif of our design developing into a glamorously illuminated façade that could match the “flower” of the city," said the firm. In the interiors, the studio looked back to the old Misono-za by using vermillion as the basic color. A wide corridor stretching from the foyer to the main entrance was covered with vermillion helping to enhance this bright and beautiful theater that represents Nagoya.
“Totality of architectural design includes textures, the soft and hardness of the material, the smell of the material, and the acoustic effect of the material.”
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