ARCHITECTURE: Kengo Kuma-Onomatopoeia

Kengo Kuma is one of the most significant contemporary Japanese architects and professors at the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Tokyo. Frequently compared to contemporaries Shigeru Ban and Kazuyo Sejima, Widely regarded as a pioneer of sustainable and human-centered design, Kengo Kuma has redefined contemporary architecture by seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. His visionary projects, showcased through intricate models, invite visitors to explore the relationship between nature, people, and built spaces.

By Efi Michalarou
Photo: Dimitris Lempesis Archive

Kengo Kuma’s exhibition “Onomatopoeia”, held at the Former Public Tobacco Factory in Athens, features models of iconic projects by the Japanese architect, offering a multisensory experience that highlights the vocal dimension of materials. It focuses on the dialogue between people and materials, as well as Kuma’s exploration of “Onomatopoeia” (the formation of words by imitating sounds) which holds a unique significance in the Greek language. Starting from the concept of “Onomatopoeia”, Kuma emphasizes sustainable architecture, reconnecting people with natural elements. Drawing inspiration from Japanese traditions and materials such as wood, paper, and metal, he utilizes them in a unique and contemporary manner. Kengo Kuma’s approach to materials is at the heart of his architectural philosophy, shaping his unique and innovative designs. Born in Yokohama in 1954, Kuma perceives the world through the lens of materiality, meticulously studying a site before initiating any project. His deep commitment to understanding a location allows him to craft architecture that harmonizes with its surroundings, embracing both the environment and history. To Kuma, materials are inextricably linked to place: “Through materials, we can learn about a location and connect with its uniqueness,” he explains. Kuma’s designs often draw inspiration from the past, seamlessly blending strong structural elements with an innate sense of tactility and fluidity. His architecture exudes a sense of movement, evoking a musical rhythm that resonates with his artistic vision. Rejecting the heavy dominance of concrete, he instead creates buildings that appear to float, embodying lightness and an almost ethereal ambiguity. Describing himself as a “materialist” in the purest sense, Kuma’s relationship with materials is deeply physical and exploratory. His relentless pursuit of both traditional and cutting-edge materials has led to groundbreaking discoveries, reaffirming his belief that the wisdom of the past holds the key to a more sustainable and innovative future. In the post-World War II era, the rapid adoption of concrete often meant discarding tradition for the sake of efficiency. However, Kuma champions a different approach, one that finds harmony between the old and the new, blending heritage with modernity. His profound appreciation for tradition took root in the 1980s during his studies at Columbia University in New York. Sharing the Japanese tea ceremony with friends, he was struck by their admiration for Japan’s traditional design principles. This experience reignited his passion for heritage, compelling him to integrate traditional craftsmanship into his work. Today, Kuma’s visionary projects span the globe, from Japan to Italy, the United States, China, France, and Australia. Each of his creations exemplifies a seamless fusion of materials, space, and history, proving that architecture can be simultaneously global and deeply rooted in local culture. Kengo Kuma & Associates is currently contributing to “The Ellinikon”, a landmark development in Greece. In collaboration with the Greek architecture and planning firm “Betaplan”, Kuma’s firm has designed “Riviera Galleria” a new destination at the Marina of Ag. Kosmas. This work will redefine luxury, offering an unparalleled fusion of high-end shopping, gastronomy, and entertainment. Furthermore, Kuma’s firm has undertaken the design of the “Marina Residences”, developed by “Orilina Properties”. This project is set to transform the Athenian skyline and coastline, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come. Through his dedication to material, place, and tradition, Kengo Kuma continues to shape the future of architecture—one masterpiece at a time.

Photo: Kengo Kuma, Onomatopoeia, Exhibition view Former Public Tobacco Factory-Athens, 2025, Photo: © & Courteys Dimitris Lempesis

Info: Former Public Tobacco Factory, Lenorman 218, Athens, Greece, Duration: 24/1-15/3/2025, Days & Hours: Daily 10:00-19:00, https://thearchitectshow.gr/