Let's Talk

Simulated by the dynamism of the minds that surround the design world, we have evolved a platform for free intellectual expression as well as a platform for inspiration to the entire community. Shedding light on unique perspectives, Let’s Talk explores the tangential mindsets that today lend their vivacity to the realm of architecture design.

We present Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, whose leitmotiv is ‘to erase architecture’. He has won many prizes both in Japan and abroad. Today, he has some 50 buildings to his credit putting him among the major architects of his generation. For Kengo Kuma the material is always a construction principle, giving rise to the architecture’s aesthetics and symbolism. Sarita Vijayan, Editor & Brand Director, Indian Architect & Builder, in an exclusive interview with the architect who thrives on ‘naturalism’ about his works and inspirations.

Q. What motivated you to become an architect?
A. I lived in an old small house in the suburbs of Tokyo in childhood and often discussed with my father how we could re-work on it. Also, when the Tokyo Olympics was held in 1964, I got a strong impression from the stadium designed by Kenzo Tange and learned the potential of what architects could do.

Q: How have you best used traditional materials?
A:In the 90s I was fortunate enough to work with local carpenters of various different provinces in Japan and I learned a lot from them about traditional materials such as wood, stone or earth. Our relationships still go on and whenever I work with natural materials I go back to them for advice.

Q: How do you acquaint yourself with a site before considering a design for the building?
A.I make it my golden rule to visit and study the site carefully before working on the project. I walk around the site again and again to get an idea.

Q: Are there certain materials that inspire you more than others?
A.Materials themselves are not inherently the source of particular inspiration. Other than at some moments, in specific conditions, where materials are brought to the fore of the decision making process through particular environmental conditions, requirements of difficulties. I am consistently intrigued by the bewildering combination of processes though. The process and application of effort to various materials can render a single material into a series of completely different products and effects.

Q: How has your work evolved over the years?
A. I emphasised in the past that the architecture should be erased, or buried in the ground — I avoided ‘massive continuation’ of materials. It has evolved in recent years that the architecture being harmonised with its surroundings, as if they were in a dialogue.

Q: Every architect has his own version of today’s ‘ism’. What according to you is the ‘ism’ for the architecture of the present?
A. Naturalism

Q: Do you have any personal favorites among your own and from somebody else’s canvas of works?
A. All are my favourites, but working on the Museum of Ando Hiroshige was a great experience.

Q: Are there certain materials that inspire you more than others?
A. I like wood.

Q: Any creative expression is always open for criticism. How do you handle negative criticism?
A. Not all such criticism is correct, but there are comments inspirational enough for me to make a shift towards a new direction.

KENGO KUMA
Kengo Kuma was born in Kanagawa, Japan, and completed a major in architecture at the University of Tokyo in 1979. He worked for a time at Nihon Sekkei and Toda Corporation. He founded the ‘Spatial Design’ studio in 1987, while in 1990 ‘Kengo Kuma & Associates’ — his own studio was established. Kuma’s philosophy is to recover the tradition of Japanese buildings, reinterpreting it for the 21st century. He has won many awards for his designs like the Mainichi Art Award in 2010, RIBA Fellow in 2009, the 2008 LEAF Award and in 1997 he won the prestigious Architectural Institute of Japan Award. Kengo Kuma designs architectural buildings with the inspiration of light and nature to achieve his goals such as the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) Group's Japan Headquarters, as well as, one of the largest spas in the Caribbean for Mandarin Oriental Dellis Cay. His famous projects include Asahi Broadcasting Corporation, Suntory Museum of Art, Lotus House and the Great (Bamboo) Wall.