Copyright © 2025 Motivate Media Group. All rights reserved.
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.
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.
Whitestone Gallery Taipei, Taiwan
“Water, salt and olive oil. That’s what it takes to survive,” says designer Philippe Starck, who created the new La Almazara olive oil museum outside Ronda, Spain
The new Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP03 is perfect for open-plan spaces
Ignacio Gomez, Global Design Principal at Aedas reflects on the firm’s two decades in the Middle East
Step into Ahmed A. Sultan’s contemporary retreat shaped by space, light, and emotion
Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT) announces Vyjayanthi Rao as curator of its third edition (SAT03), joined by Tau Tavengwa as associate curator.
Architecture meets art at this stunning villa on the Palm Jumeirah
Here’s a recap of the new and notable novelties and exhibits at Salone del Mobile.Milano and Fuorisalone
Here’s what to look out for at the Kingdom’s first fair for original and high-quality contemporary design, running from 20 to 23 May 2025
The dinner was the first of its kind in the Middle East that connected female industry professionals
Inside the Foster + Partners designed Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pavilion at Expo2025 Osaka
Efie Gallery relocates to Alserkal Avenue and hosts the Middle Eastern debut of María Magdalena Campos-Pon’s solo exhibition
This month, we shed light on innovation and what propels the industry in terms of creativity.