Yamagata Dantsu first crossed paths with Kengo Kuma with the construction of the New Kabuki-za in 2013. He came to visit our workshop while we were making the carpet for the main lobby. He was impressed with out craftsmanship and thus started our collaboration.
His first design was the simple nature design, Koke, or moss, which was delicate yet bold and thought provoking. His next two designs were Ishi and Mori and served to expand on his first.
His take on “A Warm Welcome for Every Foot” is still continuing to expand.
Kengo KumaArchitect
Kengo Kuma was born in 1954. He completed his master's degree at the University of Tokyo in 1979. He established Kengo Kuma & Associates in 1990. He taught at Keio University as Professor, and in 2009 he was installed as Professor at the Graduate School of Architecture, the University of Tokyo.
Kuma was awarded with Architectural Institute of Japan Annual Award in 1997 for the Noh Stage in the Forest and Mainichi Art Award in 2010 for Nezu Museum. Recent works include Suntory Museum of Art, Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Nagaoka City Hall Aore, Kabukiza, Besançon Art Center and Cité de la Musique and FRAC Marseille. Kengo Kuma & Associates are also working on the New National Stadium Japan along with Taisei Corporation and Azusa Sekkei.
