TOTO

Ensamble Studio Exhibition Gallery Talk
In conjunction with the Ensamble Studio exhibition, we have organized an online talk event. The event will be navigated by architectural historian Sen Kuan, and Antón García-Abril and Débora Mesa of Ensamble Studio will participate from Spain to talk with architect Sou Fujimoto.
Outline of the Event / Speakers
Theme:How Heavy? How Light?



Speakers
Antón García-Abril, Débora Mesa (Ensamble Studio)
Sou Fujimoto (Sou Fujimoto Architects)
NavigatorSeng Kuan(architectural historian, Project Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo, a+u Chief Editorial Advisor)
[Message from the Navigator]
At first glance, there seems to be many points of intersection between the works of Ensamble Studio and Sou Fujimoto. Both have created forms and structures that comment on the fundamental relationship between built forms and their environment -- earth, air, and light. Their work sometimes defy gravity, sometimes embrace it. There are also similarities between how they show their work.
I would like to explore the source of ideas of each architect who creates innovative architecture, and also look ahead to the future of architecture.

Seng Kuan
Profile
Sou Fujimoto
Sou Fujimoto was born in Hokkaido in 1971.
Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering at Tokyo University, he established Sou Fujimoto Architects in 2000.
Among his recent renowned projects is the 1st prize for the 2014 International Competition for the Second Folly of Montpellier, France ("L'Arbre Blanc"). Additionally in 2015, 2017 and 2018, he won several international competitions with 1st prize in various European countries. In Japan, he was selected as the Master Architect for Tsuda University Kodaira Campus Master Plan development in 2019, and in 2020, he was selected as the Expo site design producer for the 2025 Japan International Exposition (Osaka/Kansai Expo). In 2021, he won the 1st prize for the Design Proposal for Oita Airport Sea Access Passenger Terminal. His notable works include; “Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2013” (2013), “House NA” (2011), “Musashino Art University Museum & Library” (2010), “House N” (2008) and many more. 
©︎David Vintiner
Seng Kuan
Architectural historian. Born in 1976. Completed a PhD in Architecture at Harvard University. Currently a lecturer at the Harvard GSD, and the director of International Architectural Education Platform SEKISUI HOUSE – KUMA LAB in the University of Tokyo. Commissioned as the chief editorial advisor of a+u magazine in 2021. Specializes in Japanese contemporary architectural history. Major exhibitions include Utopia Across the Scales: Highlights from the Kenzo Tange Archive (Harvard GSD, 2009). Major publications include Kazuo Shinohara: Traversing the House and the City (Lars Müller Publishers, 2021). Awards include the 2019 Graham Foundation grant, among many others.