Close

id library: The Complete Kengo Kuma

We adore Kuma’s contemporary approach to Japanese architecture

After Tadao Ando, Toyo Ito, and Fumihiko Maki, Kengo Kuma has revitalized Japanese architecture with his distinctive approach. Moving away from the modernist skyscrapers of the 20th century, Kengo Kuma has developed a truly sustainable architecture, deeply rooted in local craftsmanship and resources. His work is characterized by engaging surfaces, innovative structures, and fluid forms that reconnect people with the physicality of their surroundings. Kuma’s designs are informed by tradition and are profoundly site-specific. He prioritizes respecting the culture and environment of each location, which is evident in his diverse portfolio. For instance, he crafted the China Academy of Art’s Folk Art Museum from discarded roof tiles, created a chapel out of birch and moss in Nagano, and collaborated with local artisans to sculpt the V&A Dundee into a reflection of the Scottish coastal cliffs.

Yusuhara Community Market, Japan

His sensitivity to space, light, and texture allows him to reveal unexpected qualities in materials. Kuma finds the weightlessness of stone in Chokkura Plaza and the softness of aluminum in the thatched roof of the Yangcheng Lake Tourist Transportation Center. More recently, Kuma applied his philosophy to the Japan National Stadium built for the Olympic Games, aiming to transform Tokyo from a concrete city to one that respects its natural environment. Kuma hopes the stadium will alter the direction of Japanese architectural design.

Kengo Kuma x identity

Shipyard 1862, Shanghai, China

This XXL-sized monograph, featuring some 500 illustrations, including photographs, sketches, and plans, guides readers through Kuma’s entire career, highlighting milestone projects and ongoing works.

Additionally, an Art Edition is available, featuring a custom-built wooden slipcase and a photogravure of a sketch by Kengo Kuma, signed by the artist and limited to 200 copies.

Kengo Kuma x identity

Whitestone Gallery Taipei, Taiwan

The Latest

What to expect at Feria Habitat Valencia

This year’s fair is set to take place between 29 September and 2 October

ARTDOM Expands to the Middle East

Daria Zolotova, founder of ARTDOM, discusses the brand’s upcoming first major art forum congress, being held at Riyadh on 11-12 November 2025

A Perfect Balance

A bespoke villa in Dubai Hills Grove designed by XBD Collective blends contemporary elegance with high-end craftsmanship

Soulful Sanctuary

Arch Home Interiors has crafted a boutique Pilates studio in Dubai Design District, creating an environment where movement meets self-care

Global Outlook, Local Presence

Henrique Dias, Principal and Middle East Hospitality Design Director for DLR Group, shares the firm’s growth journey in the region

Read ‘Greener Perspectives’ – Note from the editor – September 2025

Read identity magazine's September 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands

identity Design Awards 2025 jury

Meet the judges for the identity Design Awards 2025

Five prominent designers have been selected to judge this year's milestone 11th annual identity Design Awards

Here are 14 Emirati women we admire in the design and creative industry

In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate the visionary Emirati women in the industry that are pushing boundaries

Casa Cazaux

A Spanish Revival Reimagined in the Hollywood Hills

Casa Cazaux designed by Jordana Maisie Design Studio was inspired by Slim Aarons photography of post WWII Italian high society and Mediterranean-inspired coastal architecture

Kaskade by Karim Rashid for TREDEX Sara Group

TREDEX x Karim Rashid Introduce KASKADE

A Collection Where Flow Meets Form

identity Design Awards 2025 categories

identity Design Awards 2025 – The Categories

Here's a breakdown of the 21 categories we have for this year's identity Design Awards.

Vedra | Palm Jumeirah villa

Owning the Development Process

How Vedra, a Boutique Project Development Consultancy is Redefining Development in the UAE