Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates
Area: 626 m²
Year: 2010
Photography: Daici Ano
Design Team: Shin Oba, Sayaka Mizuno
Construction: Matsui Construction
Cooperation: Jun Sato Structural Engineers
Facility: P.T. Morimura & Associates
City: Kasugai
Country: Japan
The GC Prostho Museum Research Center, designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates in Kasugai, Japan, utilizes a modular wooden system to create a grid-like structure. Completed in 2010, this design highlights the potential of manual, handcrafted architecture over industrial, machine-made methods. The building’s use of wooden elements demonstrates a deliberate choice to celebrate traditional craftsmanship, while presenting an innovative approach to modern architectural form.
The inspiration for the design comes from Cidori, a traditional Japanese toy made of wooden sticks with uniquely shaped joints that can be assembled by twisting the pieces together, without the need for nails or metal fittings. This technique, still practiced in Hida Takayama, a town known for its skilled woodworkers, served as the conceptual foundation for the museum’s architecture. The design honors the region’s craftsmanship while incorporating it into a contemporary context.
“You can do everything — don’t be afraid.”
Interview with Kengo Kuma of Kengo Kuma and Associates
The basic unit of Cidori is a 12 mm square piece of wood, which was adapted in the building’s design into varying sizes. These parts, measuring 60mm×60mm×200cm or 60mm×60mm×400cm, form a 50 cm square grid. This modular system extends to the museum’s showcase grid as well.
Structural engineer Jun Sato conducted compressive and flexure tests to ensure the system’s viability for larger-scale buildings. This project demonstrates the potential of creating architecture by assembling small units manually, challenging the era of machine-made construction and advocating for a return to hand-built designs.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 2-294 Toriimatsucho, Kasugai, Aichi 486-0844, Japan
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
