kengo_kuma — miraz reza

Kengo Kuma: A Monologue of Architectural Ideology

September 02, 2024

A reaction to Kengo Kuma’s text excerpt from ‘Kuma. Complete Works 1988 - Today’
by Kengo Kuma and Philip Jodido, published by Taschen.

In the selected excerpt, Architect Kengo Kuma talks about how his architectural ideology changed from the 20th-century architecture of large and tall buildings to small and flexible structures using vernacular materials and local craftsmanship and presents substantial arguments for his views.

Kuma’s childhood inspiration, the massive Yoyogi National Stadium by architect Kenzo Tange, moved him to pursue architecture as his profession. However, his perspective on tall and big architecture changed as pollution emerged in Japan and people's perceptions of massive buildings took a downturn. Moreover, his experience with big city projects compelled him to travel searching for alternative building solutions. Soon he realized the appeal of vernacular architecture.

The architect acquired a wealth of knowledge about natural materials by working with the persevering local craftsmen, untaught in schools. This unique, rewarding experience expanded his scope of travel to Asia, Europe, and America. He realized that architecture is not bound by a country, rather it is the material, place, and people who dictate how the structure finds its meaning.

Kuma’s mission and obligation as someone who lived in two contrasting ages was to look in the opposite direction of modern architectural thinking. A gentle connection between nature and people could not be achieved with industrially processed materials, rather it can be established by using materials found in nature while solving environmental problems. He designed the Olympic stadium as a cloud made of wood- a weak, soft, and humble material that makes people feel at ease, as it blended with the nearby park becoming one with the forest. His later projects also reflected the same idea , horizontal and diagonal elements nesting close to the ground, and minimum use of vertical elements made the spaces accommodate various activities and lifestyles.

With limited resources and lands available in the current era, Kuma’s ideology resonates deeply with cultural and environmental conservancy. As the world becomes smaller, it is crucial to preserve the heritage of the localities through vernacular architecture.