Annual Architecture Lecture
Kengo Kuma: Nature and Architecture
14 July 2008
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Kengo Kuma portrait © dbox
Listen to a recording of this event
Kengo Kuma: 'I want to create weak buildings. I think I have always wanted to create weak buildings. Many people believe buildings ought to be strong because buildings are expected to safeguard the frail bodies of human beings. The reason buildings must be strong is to function as a shelter. Buildings must not only offer physical protection but also suggest sturdiness in order to inspire a feeling of security. (Monumentality is another word for that sort of sturdiness.) Humans' mentality has long been this way hence we constructed strong, sturdy buildings accordingly.'

Kengo Kuma, Orbe Tea Room Photo: Daici Ano
The Annual Architecture Lecture is proudly supported by John Robertson Architects and the Japanese Committee of Honour of the Royal Academy of Arts.
Summer Exhibition gallery, RA; 6.45–8pm, doors open 6.30pm