Archive
Shigeru Ban - Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center
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.
Akihisa Hirata - Tree-ness House
This family house in Tokyo marked my first collaboration with Hirata-san, and the two-day commission became a truly engaging experience. With the architects present on site, we explored creative ways to reveal the project’s complex exterior and its layered interior spaces. The structure offers shifting perspectives at every level, allowing the shoot to capture the full depth, rhythm, and tree-like character of the house.
Toyo Ito - Tama Art University Library
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.
Hiroshi Nakamura - Sayama Lakeside
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.
Akihisa Hirata - Ota Library
Located in Gunma, this library stands out for its layered, branching spatial concept. Stopping there during a trip revealed a dynamic interior where circulation and structure blend seamlessly. The design creates an environment that feels both intimate and expressive, offering a unique interpretation of how a public library can function.
Kazuyo Sejima - Hokusai Sumida Museum
This Museum in Tokyo stands out with its sharp geometry and reflective façade. On a sunny afternoon, the building mirrors the blue sky, creating a striking visual clarity. Inside, the exhibition layout is clean and fluid, echoing the calm precision of the exterior’s beautifully executed surface.
Sou Fujimoto - Envision Pavilion
The Envision Pavilion in Shanghai extends the spirit of his Serpentine Pavilion to a much larger scale. While in the city for another project, attending the opening ceremony offered a clear view of how the lattice structure grows into an immersive, cloud-like environment, expanding the original concept with impressive spatial depth.
Sou Fujimoto - House Vision 2016
I had the unique opportunity to visit Sou Fujimoto’s pavilion before it officially opened. The experience was truly captivating—walking through the open wooden framework, I could feel the fluid spatial rhythms that Fujimoto intended. Each step shifted my perspective, turning what initially seemed like a serene, minimalist structure into a vibrant conversation between the architecture itself and the people moving within it. This pavilion masterfully dissolves the boundaries between built space and human interaction, creating an immersive journey that constantly evolves with each visitor’s presence.
Toyo Ito - Cosmo Media Library
The library in Gifu impresses with its calm and peaceful atmosphere. Natural light shines softly through big windows, lighting up the bookshelves warmly. Its simple design makes it quiet and thoughtful, encouraging visitors to relax and enjoy reading. Soft wooden details and comfy seats make it welcoming. The calm inside contrasts with the busy city outside, making the library a true peaceful place in Gifu—a perfect mix of architecture and calm that refreshes the mind and spirit.
Sou Fujimoto - Naoshima Pavilion
On Seto Inland Sea island, I visited Sou Fujimoto’s Naoshima Pavilion and attended its opening ceremony. The experience was truly inspiring, blending delicate aesthetics with innovative structure. It perfectly harmonizes contemporary architecture with the surrounding landscape, creating a captivating visual and spatial experience.