Kengo Kuma: My Life as an Architect in Tokyo

It was around Kengo Kuma’s tenth birthday that he came into contact with Kenzō Tange’s fishlike Yoyogi National Gymnasium, completed for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and determined that he would become an architect. In the intervening five or so decades, he has become one of the world’s most fascinating and influential architects. Kuma is known throughout the world for his formally daring and materially expressive buildings, recognized for his inventive use of traditional materials, and his use of innovative materials in vernacular forms. He is perhaps less known for his work inside his native Japan, where he works actively towards the preservation of ancient building techniques and craft. A keen curiosity for all forms of building and a wealth of knowledge about the world acquired through expansive travels make Kuma a unique commentator on Tokyo’s dynamic architecture. Through twenty-five stories, this intimate little publication paints a picture of how a building inspired a boy to become an architect, how Japan’s national heritage helped form his thinking, and how his professional experience has made him one of the most successful architects of his generation. This book contains something for everyone: design acumen, insights into Japanese culture, a tour of Tokyo and the heartfelt commitment to producing buildings that have meaning and longevity. With 41 illustrations, 21 in colour

Table of Contents:
Introduction by Kengo Kuma Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Kenzō Tange, 1964 Shibuya Daikan-yama One Omotesandō, Kengo Kuma, 2003 Meiji Jingū Museum, Kengo Kuma, 2019 Nezu Museum, Kengo Kuma, 2009 Sunny Hills, Kengo Kuma, 2014 National Stadium, Kengo Kuma, 2020 Suntory Museum of Art, Kengo Kuma, 2007 Kitte, Kengo Kuma, 2012 Shinjuku Mejiro Ikebukuro Ueno & Yanesen Jugetsudo Kabuki-za, Kengo Kuma, 2013 Tsukiji & Shinbashi Takanawa Gateway Station, Kengo Kuma, ongoing La Kagu, Kengo Kuma, ongoing Akagi Shrine, Kengo Kuma, 2010 Daiwa Ubiquitous Computing Research Building, Kengo Kuma, 2014 Western Tokyo Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre, Kengo Kuma, 2012 Mukojima Tetchan, Kengo Kuma, 2014 Directory Buildings by Kengo Kuma & Associates Buildings by other architects

About the Author :
Kengo Kuma established Kengo Kuma & Associates in 1990 and went on to become Professor at the Graduate School of Architecture, University of Tokyo in 2009. He is the author of several books, including Anti-Object and Kyokai: A Japanese Technique for Articulating Space. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including XS Extreme (Thames & Hudson).

Review :
An inherently fascinating, amazingly informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking read.-- "Midwest Book Review" (4/27/2021 12:00:00 AM)