Posted:Nov 28, 2009

Kengo Kuma: Studies in the Organic

An exhibition at Gallery MA showcases the work of the Tokyo architecture office.

Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

Gallery MA staff welcoming visitors the day of the opening preview. The gallery is in the TOTO building in Roppongi area and specializes in architecture exhibitions.
Gallery MA staff welcoming visitors the day of the opening preview. The gallery is in the TOTO building in Roppongi area and specializes in architecture exhibitions.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

The exhibition shows an incredible number of models and studies from Kumaʼs office and exhibits the process through which the architects create their projects.
The exhibition shows an incredible number of models and studies from Kumaʼs office and exhibits the process through which the architects create their projects.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

A series of models at various scales of the new Asakusa tourist info center, to be completed in 2012.
A series of models at various scales of the new Asakusa tourist info center, to be completed in 2012.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

Detail of the Asakusa project.
Detail of the Asakusa project.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

Some of the study models on show in the gallery.
Some of the study models on show in the gallery.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

The interior of a small pavilion constructed entirely from water branches.
The interior of a small pavilion constructed entirely from water branches.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

People enjoying the exhibition in the gallery courtyard, located on the fourth floor of the building.
People enjoying the exhibition in the gallery courtyard, located on the fourth floor of the building.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

Detail of a huge model on the second floor of the gallery, the 'city of Art and culture' in Besancon, France.
Detail of a huge model on the second floor of the gallery, the 'city of Art and culture' in Besancon, France.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

Another very big model, a performing hall in Granada, Spain. At the exhibition you can literally enter the model...at least with your head.
Another very big model, a performing hall in Granada, Spain. At the exhibition you can literally enter the model...at least with your head.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

A view of the main exhibition room filled with models of projects all around Japan and the world.
A view of the main exhibition room filled with models of projects all around Japan and the world.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

Drawings and sketches printed on the walls...
Drawings and sketches printed on the walls...
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

Detail of a model for Cava Market headquarters near Naples, Italy.
Detail of a model for Cava Market headquarters near Naples, Italy.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

Kengo Kuma (left) at the opening ceremony talking with guests.
Kengo Kuma (left) at the opening ceremony talking with guests.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

Architects from Kengo Kuma offices enjoying the opening party.
Architects from Kengo Kuma offices enjoying the opening party.
Photo: Maurizio Mucciola

Maurizio Mucciola

Maurizio Mucciola

Born in Italy in 1977, studied architecture in Milan (and Lisbon for a year). After working in different architecture and landscape design firms he decided to go back to school and spent a year and a half at the architecture school of Columbia University in New York, while at the same time collaborating and shooting photos for "Volume Magazine". Then one year in Rotterdam at the Rem Koolhaas's Office for Metropolitan Architecture before he finally landed in Tokyo in January 2009 to work at Kengo Kuma & Associates Architects. Architecture really absorbs most of its time, but sometimes he likes to take in the city and go around art galleries and museums, and try to catch Tokyo through a Nikon camera.