Tag: sou-fujimoto-architects | ArchDaily

Designing with Air: Rethinking Architecture Beyond the Wall

Diogo Borges Ferreira — Sat, 02 May 2026 07:30:00 +0000

Architecture is traditionally chronicled through the persistence of the solid. We define the discipline by the weight of the lintel, the mass of the pier, and the resistance of the wall. Even when lightness is invoked, it is usually understood as a subtractive act, the thinning of a section or the precarious reduction of a load. Yet there is a parallel history, less visible and harder to isolate, in which the primary material of construction is not what occupies space, but what moves through it.

The Afterlife of Expo Osaka’s Grand Ring: How the Timber Structure Is Being Reused Across Japan

Antonia Piñeiro — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Exhibitions can be an opportunity to extend architectural discourse beyond professional circles, opening conversations with broader publics and serving as an interface between architecture and society. Within this concept, major international events such as the Osaka International Expo 2025 and the Venice Architecture Biennale have adopted the idea of the circular economy as one of their organizational objectives. The idea of circularity in events can be reflected in, for example, their energy consumption, the impact of the displacement they generate, their waste, or the useful life of their infrastructure. The site destined for the last World Expo, held in Osaka from 13 April to 13 October 2025, was surrounded by a massive timber structure designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, one of the world's largest wooden constructions. The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition committed to reusing building materials "as much as possible," with concrete plans for their reuse to be finalized by March. In the meantime, some relocation alternatives are already emerging for the pieces of the World Expo structure.

Heritage Transformations, New Capital Cities, and Residential Innovations: This Week’s Review

Antonia Piñeiro — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0000

This week's news landscape brought together diverse approaches to built and cultural heritage, ranging from the design of a Museum of Jesus' Baptism at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan to major transformations of modern industrial sites and the development of major cultural districts. The World Monuments Fund's support for 21 locally led heritage projects foregrounds conservation strategies that reinforce the role of architecture in safeguarding both material and intangible heritage. Across this week's highlighted projects, adaptive reuse, landscape integration, and the reconfiguration of civic space emerge as recurrent strategies for extending the life and relevance of existing built environments. The projects also reflect broader contemporary concerns, including material research in timber construction, zero-waste urban installations, large-scale residential efficiency, and infrastructure upgrades linked to global events like the Olympic Games. Framing these developments within a wider territorial perspective, discussions on relocating capital cities worldwide offer an example of how geopolitical discourses continue to shape architecture, revealing the evolving relationship between the built environment and structures of power over time.

Green Interiors Trends From Around The World

Hana Abdel — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 07:30:00 +0000

There is not enough that can be said about the benefits of incorporating plants in interiors or Plantscaping. Integrating vegetation indoors serves many purposes, whether practical, aesthetic, or psychological. Although there are basic requirements for incorporating greenery into Homes, well-thought-out plant selections and placements are characteristically different across the world. By going over recent interior works, a few recurrent plantscaping design patterns arose, each reflective of distinctive climates, building styles, and traditional building techniques.

Designing the Future, Again: What the 55-Year Return of the World Expo to Osaka Reveals

Jonathan Yeung — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 07:30:00 +0000

The 2025 Osaka Expo has captured widespread attention—not only for its architectural ambition and spectacle, but also for breaking records and generating controversy. Its most iconic feature, a monumental timber ring designed by Sou Fujimoto, has already made headlines as a Guinness World Record-breaking wooden structure. Built on the reclaimed island of Yumeshima, the site has attracted praise and critique in equal measure. Beyond its awe-inspiring 2-kilometer circumference—parts of which extend dramatically over the water—the structure has also drawn concerns, including questions about health & safety, extreme heat, and swarms of insects that may affect the visitor experience.

Miami Architecture City Guide: 22 Projects Shaping Tropical Density on the Atlantic Coast

Diogo Borges Ferreira — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:30:00 +0000

Stretching along the Atlantic coast at the southern tip of Florida, Miami is often introduced through postcard views of beaches, palm trees, and glass towers facing the water. Yet, behind this familiar image lies a city shaped by migration, tourism, and real estate cycles, where architecture has repeatedly been used to project new identities and reinvent the urban landscape. From early resort hotels and the Art Deco façades of South Beach to experimental high-rises and cultural institutions on the bay, the built environment offers a way to read how Miami negotiates climate, economy, and everyday life.

Expo Osaka 2025 Concludes After Six Months of Discussions on Saving, Empowering, and Connecting Lives

Antonia Piñeiro — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:30:00 +0000

Monday, October 13th, marked the conclusion of Expo Osaka 2025. The exhibition gathered representatives from 165 countries and international organizations and welcomed around 28 million visitors to Yumeshima, a reclaimed site in Osaka Bay. The site was reimagined through a masterplan and bounded by a Guinness World Record-breaking wooden circular structure, both designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects. Over 184 days, participants were able to visit the self-built, modular, and shared pavilions, national exhibitions, and public activities organized under the overarching theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." During its six-month run, the Expo set out to explore three pivotal subthemes, Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives, as an invitation to bring together new perspectives for our built and social ecosystem.

How Architecture Brings Social Interaction in Care: 9 Elderly Care Facilities in Japan

Miwa Negoro — Fri, 09 May 2025 07:30:00 +0000

Japan, one of the places known for its high longevity, is critically facing a demographic shift. As the aging population continues to grow, so too does the demand for thoughtful, well-designed spaces that support elderly care. Traditionally, caregiving was woven into the fabric of family life, often falling on the shoulders of female members in a patriarchal society. However, as a traditional big family structure largely dissolves and the nuclear family becomes the norm, elder care increasingly relies on social welfare services and specialized facilities.

Expo 2025 Osaka: 8 Must-See National Pavilions

Nour Fakharany — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 07:30:00 +0000

Opening on April 13th, 2025, Expo 2025 Osaka gathers countries and organizations from around the world under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." Located on the manmade island of Yumeshima, the event is expected to attract millions of visitors with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and cross-cultural exchange. The overall masterplan is led by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, who envisions a circular structure known as the Grand Roof, or the "Grand Ring." Measuring 1.5 kilometers in diameter, the floating canopy will connect the national and thematic pavilions below, functioning as a symbol of unity and collaboration while offering shaded walkways and event spaces.

Sou Fujimoto's Imaginative Structures: A 3D Drawing Exhibition at the Utzon Center, Denmark

Maria-Cristina Florian — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 06:30:00 +0000

The Utzon Center in Denmark has announced the opening of “Primitive Future: Everything Is Circulating,” a solo exhibition dedicated to exploring the work of renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. Marking the first time his work is presented in Denmark, this exhibition offers a glimpse into Fujimoto’s vision, waving together the themes of nature and architecture. The exhibition's centerpiece is an expansive 500-meter-long steel wire installation that serves as a three-dimensional sketch, framing 12 of Fujimoto’s architectural projects.

First Photos Revealed of 'Grand Ring' by Sou Fujimoto for Expo 2025 Osaka

Nour Fakharany — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 05:30:00 +0000

In preparation for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, The "Grand Ring," designed by renowned architect Sou Fujimoto, has reached a significant milestone. As of August 2024, the wooden construction of this structure is now complete, fully connecting the 2-kilometer ring into a continuous loop. This achievement is a crucial step in the development of the Expo site on Yumeshima, an artificial island on Osaka's waterfront, where the Expo will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025.

Japan's Tallest Skyscraper: Pelli Clarke & Partners Completes Tokyo's Mori JP Tower

Nour Fakharany — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:30:00 +0000

Pelli Clarke & Partners has just completed the Mori JP Tower, now standing as Japan’s tallest building. Situated in the recently revitalized Azabudai Hills district, the tower emerges at the center of this development. Establishing a new focal point for Tokyo’s skyline, the building soars 330 meters at the heart of this dynamic new mixed-use district in the city center.

First Look at Expo 2025 Osaka: Previewing Sou Fujimoto's Masterplan and the Initial National Pavilion Designs

Maria-Cristina Florian — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:30:00 +0000

The city of Osaka, Japan, has won the bid to organize the 2025 World Expo, an international event expected to draw in millions of visitors. Set to commence on April 13, 2025, and conclude on October 13, 2025, this marks Japan's second occasion as host, the prior instance being in 1970. Throughout their history, World Expos have been the place where new technologies and products are showcased and popularized, leading to technological advancements and innovative designs. For this event, Osaka has chosen the overarching theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," with three subthemes further developing the concept: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives. Architect Sou Fujimoto was selected as the Expo Site Design Producer, taking on the responsibility of creating the master plan and providing guidance to designers from participating countries.

Sky Mountain Haikou Bay No.6 High Standard Seaside Station / Sou Fujimoto Architects

Hana Abdel — Thu, 25 May 2023 07:00:00 +0000

We believe the Haikou Seaside Stop pavilion is a focal point providing an opportunity for its travelers to meander between the city and nature with places for social happenings.

Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, Japan Announces Opening Dates

Maria-Cristina Florian — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 06:30:00 +0000

In 2018, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) announced that the Japanese city of Osaka won the bid to host the 2025 World Expo, an event expected to draw millions of visitors. The event will open on April 13, 2025, and close on October 13, 2025. This will be Japan’s second time hosting the event, as another World Expo was held in Osaka in 1970. The official theme for this edition is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Architect Sou Fujimoto has been chosen as the Expo Site Design Producer of the event, becoming responsible for designing the master plan and directing the designers of the participating countries. As of March 24, 2023, 153 countries and regions and 8 international organizations have officially confirmed their participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

"Architecture of the Future Should be in Harmony with Nature": In Conversation with Sou Fujimoto at the House of Music Hungary

Hana Abdel & Claire Brodka — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 07:30:00 +0000

The House of Music Hungary is one of the biggest cultural investments in the European Union. Designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, it is becoming a hub for city dwellers and worldwide visitors wishing to attend concerts, visit the exhibition or record music in the building's open studios.

A Green Undulating Roof Covers Sou Fujimoto’s Resort Project on Ishigaki Island, Japan

Maria-Cristina Florian — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 05:30:00 +0000

Sou Fujimoto has unveiled a “Not a Hotel Ishigaki”, a new project in the southwest of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, Japan. The unique tropical resort hotel sits on a circular base open in all directions toward the surrounding natural landscape. The main feature of the building is the undulating roof covered in vegetation. Its shape allows access from the building terraces, creating an inner landscape, complete with meadows, relaxation areas, and a water mirror that reflects the sky and the singular tree in its vicinity.

Tokyo Architecture City Guide: 35 Iconic Buildings to Visit in Japan's Capital City

Andreea Cutieru — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 03:00:00 +0000

One of the world's leading metropolises, Tokyo is home to extraordinary architecture that fascinates through its blend of traditional values and high-tech expression. The 1923 earthquake and the bombardments of World War II dramatically influenced the image of the city and its architecture, giving rise to modern urban environments with complex infrastructure.