Kengo Kuma's Earth / Tree Installation at Copenhagen Contemporary Blends Japanese and Danish Craft

Kengo Kuma and Associates, led by partner Yuki Ikeguchi, has unveiled the Earth / Tree installation at Copenhagen Contemporary, running from 28 March 2026 to 21 February 2027. Created in collaboration with Danish manufacturer Dinesen, the wood-and-brick structure features a suspended ceiling of wood slats meeting thrown-together brick tiles, representing earth. Lighting design by local studio Anker & Co draws on the Japanese concept of komorebi, creating patterns of shadow and light. Materials include wood from Dinesen and brick from Danish manufacturer Pedersen Tegl, celebrating traditional Danish crafts. The installation, housed in an old industrial hall, aims to evoke a place under a tree canopy, offering comfort and inspiration. A workshop section allows visitors to explore creativity with a sand pit and building blocks, including Kengo Kuma's Tsumiki blocks and Danish-produced wooden blocks. Wood processing involved the Danish Troldkær School as part of an initiative empowering students with special needs. Ikeguchi noted the project highlights the connection between Japanese and Nordic materiality, tailored to Copenhagen Contemporary's industrial space and director's vision. Dinesen brand director Hans Peter Dinesen emphasized collaboration with artists as central to their work. The installation is part of Copenhagen Contemporary's CCreative programming.