Kengo Kuma is one of the most prominent Japanese architects. He was born in 1954 in Yokohama, Japan. After going to Eiko Gakuen junior and senior high schools he joined University of Tokyo and graduated in 1979. In 1987 Kuma commenced the “Spatial Design Studio” and soon launched his own office in 1990 with the name “Kengo Kuma & Associates“. He is regarded as one of the most popular contemporary architects of Japan concerned with reviving and revitalizing the traditional Japanese values and customs by blending them well with modernistic approach of current time. Kuma promotes the idea of drawing inspiration from surroundings and context of the project to eliminate the chances of alienation of building on its site. Kuma’s firm Kengo Kuma and Associates has its offices in Tokyo, Paris and Bejing with a staff of 220. Currently Kuma is teaching at the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Tokyo and also carrying out various research projects in his personal laboratory, Kuma Lab. Major topics related to his researches are architecture, urbanism and design. Kengo Kuma won 2016’s “Global Award for Sustainable Architecture”.

Official website: http://www.kkaa.co.jp