Returning to Ishinomaki always carries a personal meaning, having experienced the 2011 earthquake while living near Sendai. Seeing thoughtful architecture grow in this city feels significant, and this project stands out with its distinctive façade and strong presence. Visiting the center also brought back memories of my former boss, adding another layer to the experience. A meaningful place, beautifully realized.

A first visit to Qatar offered the chance to experience this remarkable national library. The architecture is striking from the outside, but the interior is even more impressive, with its vast open floor, subtle terracing, and clear sightlines. Light, scale, and precision come together to create a space that feels both monumental and welcoming — a true landmark for Doha.

Its bold form has a strong presence along the riverfront. The sweeping frame works beautifully in photographs, catching light in a very cinematic way. Inside, the spaces feel open, varied, and surprisingly intimate despite the scale. The project balances monumentality and accessibility, creating an iconic cultural place for Bordeaux.

A motorcycle ride to Tochigi led to this beautifully gentle piece of public architecture. The city hall’s open layout and soft transitions reflect an elegant approach to civic space, creating an atmosphere that feels calm and approachable. Light, circulation, and transparency work together to form a public environment that is both refined and welcoming.

An imposing façade introduces one of Taichung’s most remarkable buildings, where the fluid geometry continues seamlessly inside. The interior reveals a series of carved, flowing spaces, and the staircase becomes a highlight with its sculptural curves and shifting light. The whole environment feels immersive, turning movement through the opera house into a continuous spatial experience.

A true landmark of contemporary Japanese architecture, the Sendai Mediatheque remains as fresh as ever. Having lived in Sendai, the building carries a personal significance, and returning to photograph it highlighted how timeless the space feels. The transparent structure, floating floors, and iconic tubes create an open, flexible environment that continues to serve as one of the city’s most vibrant public gathering places.

Yugawara Station Square is a small but beautifully handled project, and finally stopping after passing by so many times was worth it. The timber canopy and gentle rooflines create a welcoming transition between town and train. The space feels warm, open, and carefully detailed, showing how thoughtful design can elevate even a modest station into a calm, characterful public environment.