Kengo Kuma Lecture at MArch

DATE

02.02.2026

During the lecture, Kuma shared some of the most representative projects of his career, offering a direct insight into the processes, decisions, and values that have guided his work over the years.

Among the projects presented were large-scale works such as the Tokyo Olympic Stadium, as well as now-iconic buildings like Sunny Hills Minami Aoyama and the Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art. He also discussed projects closely connected to their context and landscape, such as the Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum, where architecture is understood as a natural extension of the place in which it is embedded.

Beyond these widely recognised works, Kuma placed particular emphasis on small-scale projects and on research into construction and assembly systems. In this context, he presented the Chidori system, developed for Milan, as an example of how material and constructive experimentation can open up new spatial possibilities, even through seemingly simple solutions.

Throughout the lecture, the architect spoke about the importance of materiality in his architecture, as well as the need to understand each project through its integration with the surrounding environment. Lightness, both physical and conceptual, was another key topic, understood as a structural quality but also as an attitude towards design and the relationship with cultural and natural contexts.

Kengo Kuma’s visit was an exceptional opportunity for MArch students, who were able to make the most of his presence through an extensive and highly participatory Q&A session. This direct exchange allowed for a deeper exploration of the ideas addressed during the lecture and broadened the reflection on contemporary architecture, reinforcing the value of bringing students closer to figures who play a decisive role in shaping the international architectural landscape.

MARCH VALENCIA | ARQUITECTURA Y DISEÑO

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