Architect and Founder of Kengo Kuma & Associates
Kengo Kuma is a renowned Japanese architect whose work bridges traditional Japanese design principles with innovative, contemporary architecture. Born in Yokohama in 1954, he studied at the University of Tokyo and later at Columbia University in New York. In 1990, he founded Kengo Kuma & Associates, a practice now internationally recognized for its use of natural materials, especially wood, and its focus on creating architecture that blends harmoniously with its surroundings. Kuma’s philosophy centers on lightness, simplicity, and a deep respect for context and craftsmanship. Among his most iconic projects are the Japan National Stadium for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the V&A Dundee Museum in Scotland, and the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center in Tokyo. Beyond his built work, he is also a prolific writer and a professor at the University of Tokyo, where he continues to shape future generations of architects.
