Japanese Architecture: Kengo Kuma

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INTRODUCTION - ABOUT THE ARCHITECT Kengo Kuma is certainly one of the most influential architects today. He stands out along with Shigeru Ban, Kazuyo Sejima and Toyo Ito as a significant figure of contemporary Japanese architecture. Nevertheless, he is also a highly regarded professor at the University of Tokyo and a founder of Kuma Lab based at the Department of Architecture, where he conducts research focused on architecture, urbanism, landscape, materials, or sustainability. With his colleagues he published several books like Patterns and Layering, Japanese Spatial Culture, or Nature and Architecture. He was born in Yokohama in 1954. Afterwards, he studied architecture at the University of Tokyo and continued at Columbia University in …show more content…

In the middle, there is created an artificial square or a foyer under the skylight that connects all the pathways that cut through from the street. This enables fluent movement through the Centre and thanks to the natural lighting creates an impression of a real square. This space gives an access to other rooms of various functions. In the building, there are located: a children’s playground and nursery, exhibition space, kitchen studio, information office, and a couple of other multipurpose rooms. The playground became sort of the symbol of the project for its unmistakable dynamic interior shaped as a hilly terrain. "As children grow up, their experience will change because of the various heights of hills," the architect added, explaining that the area is also designed to be used as an informal reading room for older infants. The main material used in the interior as well as on the facade is cedar wood that creates a very warm and friendly …show more content…

What I found interesting is the purpose of the building and the way Kuma applies his theory in practice. He succeeded in creating a harmonious, warm, and welcoming atmosphere, moreover, he designed the community centre to meet the needs of all inhabitants, no matter their age or social background. Such an ideal environment can certainly reflect well on the social development of the neighbourhood. I believe that the people of Towada will undoubtedly make use of this new element right in the centre of their city and gather here with zest for many occasions and

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