Kengo Kuma Bücher

"A personal tour of Tokyo's architecture, as seen through the eyes of one of the world's most acclaimed architects who is also designing the primary venue for the Tokyo Olympic games. Tokyo is Japan's cultural and commercial epicenter, bursting with vibrancy and life. Its buildings, both historical and contemporary, are a direct reflection of its history and its people. Kengo Kuma was only ten years old when he found himself so inspired by Tokyo's cityscape that he decided to become an architect. Here he tells the story of his career through twenty-five inspirational buildings in the city. Kuma's passion is evident on every page, as well as his curiosity about construction methods and his wealth of knowledge about buildings around the world, making this a unique commentary on Tokyo's dynamic architecture. Kengo Kuma: My Life as an Architect is an intimate and truly inspiring book, revealing the beauty that exists in the world's everyday spaces." -- Provided by publisher

This inspiring book surveys the creative design innovations of small houses in Japan, showcasing eighteen recently built and unique homes, ranging from ultramodern to rustic styles. It emphasizes the "big idea" behind each house—elements that enhance the perception of spaciousness. These ideas include ingenious natural light sources, thoughtfully designed loft spaces, functional kitchens, unobtrusive partitions, and clear circulation paths. An introductory section contextualizes these homes within contemporary lifestyle trends and highlights their common features. The detailed Houses section explains the intentions of both designers and occupants, revealing a human sensibility that reflects the dreams and aspirations these unique homes embody, despite their modest appearances. The second half illustrates special features, such as innovative storage solutions, kitchen designs, and revolutionary skylights and partitions. Building small is portrayed as a sign of higher ambitions, encouraging readers to appreciate the positive and creative potential of small homes. This collection offers homeowners, designers, and architects a wealth of ideas, demonstrating how small living can enhance life in unexpected ways.

Residential Masterpieces 19Philip Johnson / Glass HouseText by Kengo KumaPhotographed by Yukio Futagawa