Kengo Kuma's new book 'Substance' explores architecture through six materials

Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has released a new book titled 'Substance', published by The Images Publishing Group, which examines his studio's work through the lens of six materials: metal, paper, textile, bamboo, stone, and wood. In an interview with Dezeen, Kuma argues that architecture is at a turning point, shifting from large-scale megaprojects in concrete and steel toward smaller, environmentally sensitive projects that prioritize regional resources. He compares architecture to agriculture, emphasizing the use of materials native to each specific site. The book features six projects that exemplify this approach: Casa Umbrella (Italy, 2008) using textile; Irori (Italy, 2015) using paper; Cave of Light and Shadow (China, 2023) using stone and metal; Sensing Spaces (UK, 2014) using bamboo; Casa Batlló Stairs (Spain, 2020) using metal; and Domino 3.0 (Italy, 2025) using wood. Kuma describes the book as a documentation of Kengo Kuma and Associates' efforts to create 'humane and beautiful' architecture that establishes close relationships with people and responds to local context.