AEAJ Green Terrace

Design Team：Kengo Kuma & Associates
Size：491 m²   
Location：Shibuya, Japan

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Feature：

Project - Nestled in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo, the AEAJ Green Terrace by Kengo Kuma & Associates offers a breathtaking fusion of nature and architecture. This captivating cultural facility, designed for the Aroma Environment Association of Japan, beckons visitors with its striking form that emulates the graceful silhouette of a tree. The true genius of this project lies in its meticulous assembly, where small 105mm x 105mm Japanese cypress pieces interlock to create an intricate, permeable façade. Encased within a glass envelope, the wooden latticework exudes a warm, woody fragrance that permeates the entire space, immersing occupants in a multi-sensory experience that celebrates the aroma of wood. Kengo Kuma's design seamlessly blends the structural elements, with steel members carefully scaled to complement the delicate wooden components. This harmonious marriage of materials lends the interior a sense of lightness and transparency, as if the structure itself is an extension of the natural world it seeks to embrace.From the cleverly cantilevered terrace that offers panoramic views of the verdant Jingumae woods, to the thoughtful contrast with Kenzo Tange's iconic Yoyogi National Gymnasium across the railway tracks, the AEAJ Green Terrace stands as a remarkable testament to Kengo Kuma's mastery of crafting spaces that foster a profound connection between people and nature.

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Design Team - Founded in 1990 by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA) has established itself as a global leader in thoughtful, context-driven design. With a team of highly skilled professionals across offices in Tokyo, Paris, Beijing, and Shanghai, the firm has completed innovative projects in over 40 countries, seamlessly blending architecture with the natural environment. Kuma's design philosophy emphasizes a deep connection to place, using natural materials and sensitive interventions to craft buildings that elevate the human experience while respecting local cultures and ecologies. From large-scale cultural institutions to intimate residential retreats, KKAA's portfolio showcases a mastery of scale and typology, united by a commitment to sustainability and an innate understanding of how architecture can foster meaningful relationships between people and their surroundings. With Kuma at the helm, KKAA continues to push the boundaries of contemporary architecture, integrating innovative technologies and traditional craftsmanship to realize visionary designs that redefine the role of the built environment. As the firm enters its fourth decade, its reputation for excellence and innovation continues to grow, solidifying its position as a global leader in the field.