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From Yokohama to New York: Kuma's Architectural Voyage
Born August 8, 1956 in Yokahama, Japan, Kengo Kuma attended the University of Tokyo and graduated in 1979 which a bachelors. He worked at Nihon Sekkei and TODA Corporation. “After completing his degree in Tokyo, he traveled through the Sahara to study indigenous architecture and how villages deal with environmental challenges, before moving to New York as a visiting scholar at Columbia University” (Japan Travel) from 1985-1986.
A design firm with a “think ++” philosophy, where a shared creativity between clients and society reveals the notion of a creation of values to the future. The mission behind the philosophy of creation is “Cherish the individual, Respect Nature and Innovate the future.” Every idea behind Nihon Sekkei remains the same, to not selfishly want to create something but rather incorporate the minds of people, honoring individuality, and the beauty of nature to collectively create something wonderful, which will not fade over time.
A construction, engineering, and real estate service providor. “It offers research, planning, design, management, and execution of projects related to local development, urban development, architecture, civil engineering, comprehensive engineering and consulting… Toda carries out the construction of hospitals, condominiums, railways, roads, water supply and sewer systems, medical facilities and schools. It also provides various technologies including structural, environmental, shield tunneling, mountain tunneling and renovation. The company has an operational presence in the US, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, West Africa, Vietnam, and Thailand. Toda is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.” (GlobalData)
Bridging Tradition and Modernity in Architecture
In 1987 Kuma began the “spatial Design Studio” and launched his own office “Kengo Kuma & Associates” in 1990. Kuma’s focus is natural materials, sustainability, and a deep connection with Japanese traditions. He continues to grow in popularity as a contemporary architect and holds a concept if reviving and revitalizing traditional Japanese customs and values by integrating them into modern designs. Many of his buildings are wood based, all of which he sources locally. In Japan, Japanese Timber wood is primarily used as it has been a key element in Japanese design for thousands of years, natural, breathable and flexible, the perfect material for a sustainable design. He has sourced his materials from all 47 prefectures in Japan, even for just one project, the new National Stadium in Tokyo.
Kengo Kuma's Design Philosophy: Beauty with Purpose
It is worth noting that Kengo Kuma has a beautiful mind and intention in all his designs. There is meaning and purpose givin to the buildings, in there structure and interaction with the landscape. In one interview he recalls his inspiration in renovating The Capitol Hotel Tokyu.
Conclusion
I highly recommend visiting this website : https://timelesstokyo.com/experttips/kengokuma.html
to see what Kuma has to say about some of his architecture. There is so much to be said about Kengo Kuma and his profound impact on modern architecture as well as his inspiring way of bringing back traditional Japanese design. He is someone to learn from and admire. I will be writing in more detail of some of his great architecture such as, Great (Bamboo) Wall House, Beijing (2002) and Portland Japanese Garden’s new Cultural Village. I hope you take a moment to appreciate the works of the great architect Kengo Kuma and those who work with him who are creating buildings with meaning and beauty for a better future for us and nature.
Works Cited
“Toda Corp Company Profile – Overview.” GlobalData, www.globaldata.com/company-profile/toda-corporation/#:~:text=Toda%20Corp%20(Toda)%20is%20a,engineering%2C%20comprehensive%20engineering%20and%20consulting.
“Kengo Kuma and Japan’s New Architecture [PR] | Story | Travel Japan – Japan National Tourism Organization (Official Site).” Travel Japan, www.japan.travel/en/story/kengo-kuma-and-japans-new-architecture.
日本設計について | 株式会社 日本設計. www.nihonsekkei.co.jp/we/#we-message.
“Kengo Kuma Architect | Biography, Buildings, Projects and Facts.” Famous Architects, 16 Dec. 2015, www.famous-architects.org/kengo-kuma.
