Books: Old Japan Made New

A new monograph explores the compelling work of architect Kengo Kuma.

By Michael Webb

Kengo Kuma: Complete Works.  (Thames & Hudson, $65)

In his erudite introduction, Kenneth Frampton calls Kengo Kuma “quintessentially Japanese” and the 25 projects the architect has selected are deeply rooted in the craft traditions of that country. The title is misleading: Only a quarter of Kuma’s buildings are featured, and the large commercial projects in Beijing that have sustained his practice in recent years are omitted. It’s a wise choice, for Kuma works best on a modest scale with traditional materials. In his foreword, he writes with feeling of his collaboration with traditional craftsmen in rural Shikoku and in Tohuku, a region ravaged by the earthquake and tsunami of 3/11.  “The richness and strength of that culture cannot be understood until one has worked with the people who live there—until one has eaten their food, drunk their sake, talked with the craftsmen and made things with them,” he writes.

Click to read more ...

Events: New Amid the Old

An upcoming symposium at the Getty, featuring Richard Rogers, among other leading architects, will explore the role of contemporary architecture in historic urban environments. Image courtesy the Getty Conservation Institute.By Michael Webb

On May 21, the Getty Conservation Institute will present a day-long symposium “Minding the Gap: the Role of Contemporary Architecture in the Historic Environment.” It promises to be a lively debate among five architects who have taken radically different approaches: Thomas Beeby, Juergen Mayer, Rafael Moneo, Richard Rogers and Denise Scott Brown.

Click to read more ...

Events: Doing the Wright Thing at LCDQ

This week is a busy one for design-minded Angelenos—for the fifth year in a row, La Cienega Design Quarter's Legends of La Cienega rolls out. On May 9 and 10, some of the biggest names in design will hit town and participate in a range of compelling talks and panels. 

FORM Magazine is pleased to be a part of this year's events. We're the media sponsor of SOLI Architectural Surface's "Doing the Wright Thing" panel discussion on Thursday, May 9, at 10:30 AM. The event will explore the issues around the preservation of four of Frank Lloyd Wright's textile block homes in Los Angeles. AIA|Los Angeles executive director Nicci Solomons will moderate, and Steven Ehrlich, FAIA; Franco Vecchio; and Jeffrey Herr, AIA, will participate. 

Space is limited for all the events and going fast, so be sure to register today!

Events: A Great Night at NEXT by Daltile

A few weeks back Daltile hosted NEXT at loftSEVEN—a stunning space in the historic Hass Building in Downtown Los Angeles. The event offered guests a great chance to mix and mingle and sample great food and drinks. Most importantly, it offered a sneak peek into what's new and next in the world of flooring.  

We're delighted to share with you some photos from the event!

Click to read more ...

Events: AltBuild Is Coming

Explore the future of sustainable design at the tenth annual AltBuild conference next week in Santa Monica. Image courtesy Alt Build.

It has been 10 years since the first Alternative Building Materials & Design Conference. Since then, it has gotten bigger and better, growing to become the largest and most-respected green design and building expo in Southern California. Next week, AltBuild, presented by the City of Santa Monica, returns to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium for two days of exhibits—featuring innovative new products and trends, including multiple SoCal debuts—and thought-provoking programming, with speakers and panelist drawn from across industries. 

Click to read more ...