Looking at Mount Fuji. Rest area in Oath Hill Park by Kengo Kuma
15/12/2021.
[Oyama - Shizuoka] Japan Japón
metalocus, JAVIER ARIAS
metalocus, JAVIER ARIAS
Project description by Kengo Kuma and Associates
Deep in the heart of “Tenbou Park’, halfway up the well renowned Kintaro Fujimi Hiking trail, we designed an arbor and restroom that resonates with the beautiful soaring form of Mount Fuji.
Wooden beam and columns fan out in an “umbrella” form that draws inspiration from the parabolic ridgeline of Mount Fuji. The beam and columns are held together by steel rings in the center, and by connecting the two “umbrellas,” we achieved a rigid frame structure (Rahmen structure). Each structural material contributes in a different manner; The wood gives flexibility, the steel rigidity, and the roof membrane permeates light giving the arbor a welcoming warmth. The wooden structure is covered with a membrane finished with a fluorinated coating for weather proofing. At night, the wooden structure is silhouetted against a moonlit forest.
Kengo Kuma was born in Yokohama (Kanagawa, Japan) in 1954. He studied architecture at the University of Tokyo, finishing his degree in 1979. In 1987, he opened the "Spatial Design Studio". In 1990 he founded "Kengo Kuma & Associates" and extend the study to Europe (Paris, France) in 2008. Since 1985 and until 2009, has taught as visiting professor and holder at the universities of Columbia, Keio, Illinois and Tokyo.
Main Awards:
· 2011 The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for "Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum."
· 2010 Mainichi Art Award for “Nezu Museum.”
· 2009 "Decoration Officier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" (France).
· 2008 Energy Performance + Architecture Award (France). Bois Magazine International Wood Architecture Award (France).
· 2002 Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award (Finland).
· 2001 Togo Murano Award for “Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum.”
· 1997 Architectural Institute of Japan Award for “Noh Stage in the Forest”. First Place, AIA DuPONT Benedictus Award for “Water/Glass” (USA).