* Architecture: Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center by Kengo Kuma

Architecture: Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center by Kengo Kuma: “..The center extends Asakusa’s lively neighborhood vertically and piles up roofs that wrap different activities underneath, creating a “new section” which had not existed in conventional layered architecture. Equipments are stored in the diagonally shaped spaces born between the roof and the floor, and by this treatment we could secure large air volume despite its just average height for high-and medium-rise buildings. Furthermore, the roofs not only divide the structure into 8 one-storied houses but also determine the role of each floor. First and second floor has an atrium and in-door stairs, creating a sequence from which you can feel the slope of the two roofs. On 6th floor, taking advantage of the slanted roof, we were able to set up a terraced floor with which the entire room can function as a theater. As angles of the roofs inclined toward Kaminari-mon and the heights from the ground vary from floor to floor, each floor relates differently to the outside, giving a unique character to each space..”  Lovely and poetic “stacked houses”, extensive glazing, natural light, views, masterful..

See our posts on other work by Kengo Kuma:

• Architecture: Green Cast by Kengo Kuma and Associates
• Architecture: Momofuku Ando Center by Kengo Kuma & Associates
• Architecture: Xinjin Zhi Museum by Kengo Kuma and Associates
• Architecture: Center for the Elderly in Rikuzentakata by Kengo Kuma + Associates
• Architecture: Shiseikan by Kengo Kuma & Associates
• Architecture: Shimonoseki-shi Kawatana Onsen Koryu Center by Kengo Kuma & Associates
• Architecture: GC Prostho Museum Research Center by Kengo Kuma & Associates

image: Takeshi YAMAGISHI; article: Contemporist

designalog : contact

* Architecture: Green Cast by Kengo Kuma and Associates

Architecture: Green Cast by Kengo Kuma and Associates: “..The façade of the building is covered with planters made of aluminum die-cast panels, which provides space for facilities. The 3 (up to 6) aluminum panels, which also form planters, are made in monoblock casting. Each panel is slanted, and its surface appears to be organic, of which cast comes from decayed styrene foam. Equipment such as watering hose, air reservoir for ventilation and downpipes are installed behind the panels so that the façade can accommodate a comprehensive system for the building.. (Description from Kengo Kuma)”  Wonderful, changeable, and green building facade / vertical garden..

See our posts on other work by Kengo Kuma and Associates:

• Architecture: Momofuku Ando Center by Kengo Kuma & Associates
• Architecture: Xinjin Zhi Museum by Kengo Kuma and Associates
• Architecture: Center for the Elderly in Rikuzentakata by Kengo Kuma + Associates
• Architecture: Shiseikan by Kengo Kuma & Associates
• Architecture: Shimonoseki-shi Kawatana Onsen Koryu Center by Kengo Kuma & Associates

image: Daici Ano; article: Contemporist

designalog: contact

* Architecture: Momofuku Ando Center by Kengo Kuma & Associates

Architecture: Momofuku Ando Center by Kengo Kuma & Associates: “..We wanted to place an architecture that is like a long stick. To be precise, a single, long, and ‘free’ roof in the forest under which various activities – exercise, studying, eating, sleeping – are conducted. Box confines people to the closed space, but roof can give more freedom, while its canopies protecting people from harsh environment..”  Clean, sharp, cultural and environmental sensibility, natural light..

See our post on another structure by Kengo Kuma and Associates: Architecture: Xinjin Zhi Museum by Kengo Kuma and Associates

designalog: contact

image: © Daici Ano; article: King , Victoria . “Momofuku Ando Center / Kengo Kuma & Associates” 13 Jan 2012. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/199611&gt;

* Architecture: Xinjin Zhi Museum by Kengo Kuma and Associates

Architecture: Xinjin Zhi Museum by Kengo Kuma and Associates: “..this museum..appears to be screened by rows of floating tiles..The traditional local tiles are in fact stretched tautly around the building on wire strings, shading the glazed exterior from direct sunlight..”  Another superb visually textured work by Kengo Kuma and Associates..

See our posts on other work by Kengo Kuma and Associates: Architecture: Center for the Elderly in Rikuzentakata by Kengo Kuma + Associates, Architecture: Shiseikan by Kengo Kuma & Associates, Architecture: Shimonoseki-shi Kawatana Onsen Koryu Center by Kengo Kuma & Associates and Architecture: GC Prostho Museum Research Center by Kengo Kuma & Associates

image + article: Dezeen

designalog: contact