kengo kuma’s kyushu geibun kan unites nature and people

kengo kuma’s ‘kyushu geibun kan main building’ unites nature and people

all images courtesy of kengo kuma and associates

kengo kuma‘s  ‘kyushu geibun kan main building’ creates a gateway to a museum and cultural center situated on a vast landscape in fukuoka, japan. the building is informed by traditional japanese art such as origami–seen through its many folded planes defining several courtyards and passages–while enveloping interior spaces for the creation, exhibition, and exploration of art and culture. most of the architecture is comprised of single story volumes with ceilings which reflect the angularity of the exterior roof, occasionally opening up to reveal a mezzanine or second floor above. 

 the low, angular profile of the building emulates the landscape and traditional japanese art

the low, angular profile of the building emulates the silhouette of the distant mountains in the landscape, and the flow of the nearby yabe river. the texture of the building envelope is also informed by its rich context with stone and green wall elements incorporated into the facade. views to the landscape are provided as the skin is cut and creased allowing natural light to enter through the irregular geometric volumes. the extensive use of wood throughout–seen in the floors and furniture–recall the natural site in which it is positioned. smooth, ribbed, and woven exterior surfaces are reminiscent of the mountains, river, and passing trains in the physical surroundings, and the paper, silk, and wood used in japanese art through history. blending the outdoors, and constructed space, this landmark becomes a locus for the community to appreciate cultural heritage and creativity.

 folded like origami, the architecture defines multifarious geometric spaces

natural light enters through various cuts and folds in the building’s skin, and supplementary electric lights follow similarly intricate patterns

corridors with high ceilings inspire movement

the extensive use of wood throughout the center ties it to nature

 classrooms can accommodate groups of all sizes

multiple textures add visual interest to this single story space

 nest-like furniture brings the feeling of the outdoors inside

 gardens, living walls, and planted courtyards illustrate the importance of green space to this design

 a variety of textured finishes speak to both the natural and technological influences on the design.

the main building creates a gateway to the cultural facility

 ‘kyushu geiban kan main building’

 each element of the project is designed, down to the way-finding signs

project info:

architect: kengo kuma and associates

location: fukuoka, japanyear completed: 2013program: communication center, cafe, parkarea: 4,157 m2