A beautifully refined university library, shaped by soft lines and a calm atmosphere. The interior feels open and light, with gentle curves guiding movement through the space. The design creates a quiet balance between clarity and warmth, making it an inviting environment for study while showing the subtle elegance characteristic of Sejima’s work.

A striking university facility in Gifu, defined by strong geometry and a clear architectural character. The building’s angular forms create dynamic perspectives as you move around it, while the interior maintains a sense of openness and clarity. The project stands out for its confident composition, offering a bold yet functional environment for academic life.

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.

This university facility in Osaka shows an elegant structural clarity that immediately stands out. The lightness of the volumes and the gentle, continuous lines bring a poetic quality typical of Sejima’s work. Walking through the space reveals subtle shifts of light and motion, creating an environment that feels both refined and quietly expressive — architecture at its most delicate.

Located in Kofu, this broadcast center stands as a powerful example of postwar Japanese architecture. The structure has a strong presence yet blends naturally with the surrounding landscape and city fabric. The bold forms, elevated volumes, and careful detailing show a masterful balance between monumentality and lightness, making it one of the most compelling works of its era.

This office building in Tokyo marks the beginning of a new collaboration with Nikken, and revisiting a masterpiece from the 1960s was a strong experience. The façade work is incredibly precise, and the public spaces carry a distinct atmosphere that feels transported from another era. The oval-shaped staircase is a highlight, revealing the elegance and craftsmanship of the original design.

Visiting this museum in Rome during a trip to Italy was the first encounter with a built project by Zaha Hadid, and the experience was unforgettable. The flowing lines, dramatic ramps, and shifting light create a sense of movement throughout the building. Exploring the interiors revealed a space that feels bold yet fluid, offering a powerful setting for contemporary art and architecture.

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.

This tourist center in Fuji City offers a striking experience, especially with the inverted reflection of the mountain in the central water basin. The architecture frames Mt. Fuji with clarity and calm, creating a strong dialogue between building and landscape. Inside, the exhibition flows naturally upward, echoing the ascent of the mountain. A beautifully crafted place where structure, view, and atmosphere align perfectly.

At Tama Art University, this library stands out as one of the most memorable I’ve visited. I came for a video shoot and was struck by the atmosphere created by the sweeping concrete arches. The space feels open, calm, and beautifully crafted — a powerful environment for both study and architecture.

In the quiet mountains near Tokyo, this funeral space feels seamlessly connected to its surroundings. Riding up by motorcycle heightened the sense of calm on arrival. The refined woodwork, delicate detailing, and gentle spatial transitions create an atmosphere where architecture, landscape, and silence blend into a beautifully unified experience.