Tsunagu: Connecting to the architecture of Kengo Kuma

February 4-29, 2016 Center for Architecture  (403 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR)

Many of us Japanese garden lovers visited Portland Japanese Garden already sometime in the past. We were impressed. This year, they are closed since last September until March 1 because they are working on “Cultural Crossing” expansion project for $33.5 million.

The center piece of the project is Kengo Kuma (隈研吾, 1954- Japanese prominent architect)’s design for a Cultural village buildings for a learning center, a library, gallery and tea café. Now our faces are all green with envy, aren't they? These three buildings are LEED–certified, meaning it was recognized as best-in-class green building by USGBC. LEED stand for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. They are even greener. :)

The exhibition,Tsunagu: Connecting to the architecture of Kengo Kuma, uses images, construction drawings, as well as some interactive displays, in order to introduce Kuma’s architectural philosophy: continuity between nature, natural materials, and Japanese tradition.

“Kengo Kuma’s work is about a continuous flow of spaces, reinforcing the human relationship with nature and one another. Tsunagu means cpmmectopm. But also has implications of continuity, linking, and looking forward.”

While I question the claim “It [Portland Japanese Garden] is considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan,” by Yuuyake Shimbun (Community paper in Portland), the exhibition may worth a visit for Portland again during the wet and cold month of February.

http://japanesegarden.com/events/tsunagu-connecting-to-the-architecture-of-kengo-kuma/

Source:

Portland Japanese Garden. Events. (link above)

Portland Japanese Garden Exhibition Distills Design Concepts Of Kengo Kuma. Yuuyake Shimbun. The sunset Newspaper. Dec. 2015. 207.