“Good architecture is like a friend – someone you want to see from time to time,” says the Japanese architect.
When I walked into the room to meet Kengo Kuma, I was quietly surprised to find him laughing brightly with his staff. It wasnt quite the image he presents to the public – solemn, contemplative.
One of Japans most celebrated contemporary architects – arguably the worlds – Kuma is renowned for creating buildings that dissolve into their landscapes rather than dominating them. Take the timber lattice of Tokyos National Stadium (the centrepiece of the 2020 Olympics), the dramatic angular facade of Scotlands V&A Dundee, to name a few. His love for natural materials like bamboo, wood and stone play huge part in blurring the outside and in, and bringing out the softness in buildings that fit humans use. Hong Kong too bears his distinctive touch – the Ta-ke Japanese Teppanyaki in Causeway Bay created in collaboration with SLD.
The first time Kuma visited Hong Kong was 40 years ago. It was during the citys economic boom, and Norman Fosters HSBC Building had just been completed. Hong Kong has been changing at breakneck speed ever since. Its perhaps this never-ending change that keeps drawing Kuma back so frequently – if not every year. We caught up with him at a DFA Awards event where he received the lifetime achievement award.
Youve designed across a wide spectrum of disciplines – buildings, products, even handbags. Is there a discipline you havent yet explored but would like to?
Fashion. I did handbags but never fashion itself. I think architecture will merge with fashion in the future. They both protect people, and both reveal the softness of human beings. Id like to take part in that evolution.
Coffee culture is booming in Hong Kong. As someone who values atmosphere and sensory experience, what role do you think spaces like cafés play in urban life?
I dont like being trapped at home. Id rather roam the streets and feel different scents and light. I love the smell of coffee. Im most inspired when Im out on the street, experiencing the city.
Youve described the houses near your hometown as “houses that have died”. Could you elaborate on that? How do you breathe life back into a “dead” house?
When I was young, we lived in an old building from 1942, built after the war. When friends moved to new houses in Yokohama, I felt ashamed that our house wasnt as beautiful as theirs. But as I grew older, I realised that old, broken house was always inspiring me. Without that experience, I wouldnt have developed my current architectural style. Even when old houses are worn down, they can still be beautiful and full of character. This influenced my architecture tremendously.
Youve said you try to incorporate the essence of a bamboo forest into your architecture, not just using bamboo as a material. Whats so special about bamboo forests for you?
As a child, our old house had a bamboo grove where my friends and I would play. There was a particular scent and atmosphere there that I want to recreate in different places through my work.
What makes good architecture?
Simply put, good architecture is like a friend – someone you want to see from time to time. Beautiful architecture should be there when you want to visit it.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
