Akihisa Hirata on Architecture as Living Environment and 'Entangling Base'

Tokyo-based architect Akihisa Hirata, founder of his eponymous practice, advocates for architecture that behaves as part of the environment rather than as an artificial object. In an interview with Whitewall, he discussed his concept of 'Entangling Base' (karamarishiro), an ambiguous margin where humans, plants, animals, light, and culture intersect. Hirata, who previously worked at Toyo Ito & Associates, has applied these ideas in projects such as Tree-ness House in Tokyo, the Museum of Art and Library Ota, and the Center of Yatsushiro Folk Performing Arts. He also curated the exhibition 'Architecture Arises at the Water's Edge for Humans,' questioning the boundary between nature and humanity. Hirata prioritizes 'everydayness' over symbolism, designing for incremental openness and long-term adaptability. His influences include Osaka's energy, Kyoto's history, and Tokyo's topography.