Kengo Kuma on the Future: Green Projects and the Sacred
Kengo Kuma, an architect born in 1954, established Kengo Kuma & Associates in 1990 after obtaining a Master's in Architecture from the University of Tokyo, where he also teaches. He was influenced by Kenzo Tange's Yoyogi National Gymnasium and studied under Hiroshi Hara and Yoshichika Uchida. His firm has completed projects in more than thirty nations, earning accolades such as the Architectural Institute of Japan Award and the Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award. Kuma aims for architecture that harmonizes with its surroundings, drawing inspiration from Japanese tea culture and Sen no Rikyu. Among his significant works is the Great Bamboo Wall in Beijing. He has plans for three green initiatives: the redevelopment of Tokyo Tower, the Saint-Denis Pleyel station, and the restoration of the Saint-Maurice d'Angers gallery, with 'growing forest' as his guiding principle.
Key facts
- Kengo Kuma was born in 1954.
- He founded Kengo Kuma & Associates in 1990.
- He earned a Master's in Architecture from the University of Tokyo.
- He is currently a professor and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo.
- He was inspired by Kenzo Tange's Yoyogi National Gymnasium.
- He studied under Hiroshi Hara and Yoshichika Uchida.
- He traveled across the Sahara during his studies.
- He was a Visiting Scholar at Columbia University in New York.
- His firm has designed projects in over thirty countries.
- Awards include the Architectural Institute of Japan Award, Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award, and International Stone Architecture Award.
- He cites Sen no Rikyu as a major inspiration.
- His most representative project is the Great Bamboo Wall in Beijing.
- He emphasizes genius loci and use of natural materials.
- He advises young architects to travel.
- He is working to restore the concept of the sacred.
- His future projects include greening Tokyo Tower area, Saint-Denis Pleyel station in Paris, and Saint-Maurice d'Angers gallery site.
- His keyword is 'growing forest.'
Entities
Artists
- Kengo Kuma
- Kenzo Tange
- Hiroshi Hara
- Yoshichika Uchida
- Sen no Rikyu
Institutions
- Kengo Kuma & Associates
- University of Tokyo
- Columbia University
- Architectural Institute of Japan
- Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award
- International Stone Architecture Award
Locations
- Tokyo
- Japan
- New York
- United States
- Beijing
- China
- Sahara
- Paris
- France
- Saint-Denis Pleyel
- Saint-Maurice d'Angers