Reinforcing Elements of Design

Sou Fujimoto, a renowned Japanese architect, in an exclusive interaction with Shubhra Saini, in Delhi, talks about his unique architectural style of mixing aesthetics of nature with science of design.

Born in Hokkaido in 1971, Sou initial years were spent surrounded by nature and playing in the forest. He loved drawing and nature inspired him. In high school, he got interested in Physics but later when he moved to Tokyo, he realized architecture was his calling. “Tokyo was stark different from Hokkaido. The former is a concrete jungle in contrast to the natural & open environment of Hokkaido. The amalgamation of the two has given birth to my design philosophy i.e. marrying laws of Physics with laws of nature. In a nutshell I can say that Integration between science, nature and design has been my approach,” he said.

Sou Fujimoto graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at Tokyo University with a degree in architecture and founded Sou Fujimoto Architects in 2000. His initial work was characterised by projects in small spaces in Japan. Sou enjoys working outside of Japan in different countries and with different programmes.

In 2012 Fujimoto was awarded the Golden Lion for his participation at the Japan Pavilion at the International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. His project London’s Serpentine Gallery also got him critical acclaim not only I UK but across the world. Sou Fujimoto Architects has several projects in China also, including a museum in Shanghai and an art gallery in Guangzhou. Talking about his experiences, Sou said, “Working in various countries gives a chance to experience varied cultures and way of life. As a designer it is very important for us to encounter different thinking. My architecture is always trying to balance my own design sensibility and conversation that I have with other people; I imbibe to the different needs, socio-cultural and climatic conditions of different places. So, I learn a lot from my projects in different parts of the world. It helps me to re-understand my own self in a better way and broadens my horizon.”

Read full Interview here:

http://realtyplusmag.com/reinforcing-elements-of-design/