Close

Renowned architect Sou Fujimoto is the first to exhibit at Japan House London

Colorful architectural model by Sou Fujimoto on a wooden base, showcased during his exhibit at Japan House London.

Sou Fujimoto, acclaimed Japanese architect, inspects Stacked Colours, one of 100 exhibits on display in his exhibition Futures of the Future at Japan House London

After much anticipation Japan House London will open its doors on Friday 22 June 2018 with the launch of an inaugural exhibition by leading architect Sou Fujimoto in its new gallery space.

On show for the first time in the UK, 'Futures of the Future' explores the innovative works of one of Japan’s most influential contemporary architects. Fujimoto’s vision of the future is not a fully imagined set of assumptions but is to plant the seeds of inspiration and potential. This exhibition looks at not only current projects but also Fujimoto’s architectural experiments for the future.

"Creating architecture is like planting seeds of the future," says Fujimoto. "When we design, we pay close attention to the context of the site, the requests of our clients, and the cultural and historical backgrounds of each local community.

"Our dialogues with a variety of such factors inspire us to create actual places. In other words, it might be the kind of work to give forms to latent possibilities that remain hidden in the real society. Therefore, if what we call the future is defined as a series of possibilities, I would say those small architectural proposals that stimulate them are seeds of the future."

Sou Fujimoto's architectural model featuring delicate wooden branches, with a visitor photographing it at Japan House London.

A member of staff at Japan House London, the new home for Japanese culture in London, inspects 'Between a Tree', one of 100 exhibits on display in the inaugural exhibition, Futures of the Future

Sou Fujimoto's architectural model features layered landscapes with miniature figures and elegant trees, showcased at Japan House London.

A member of staff at Japan House London inspects Beton Hala Waterfront Centre, one of 100 exhibits on display in the inaugural exhibition, Futures of the Future by acclaimed Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto

Architectural model showcasing Sou Fujimoto's innovative design, surrounded by miniature trees and flowers at Japan House London exhibit.

A member of staff at Japan House London inspects Beton Hala Waterfront Centre, one of 100 exhibits on display in the inaugural exhibition, Futures of the Future by acclaimed Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto

Colorful geometric artwork created by Sou Fujimoto on display at Japan House London, showcasing innovative architectural design.

A member of staff at Japan House London inspects Stacked Colours, one of 100 exhibits on display in the inaugural exhibition, Futures of the Future by acclaimed Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto

Sou Fujimoto stands beside an intricate architectural model at the opening exhibit of Japan House London.

Sou Fujimoto, acclaimed Japanese architect, inspects Mist Tower, one of 100 exhibits on display in his exhibition Futures of the Future at Japan House London

Meanwhile, in The Shop at Japan House London, Fujimoto also presents 'Architecture is Everywhere' which illustrates the concept of discovering architecture within the forms of everyday objects: the serendipity of finding numerous possibilities for new architecture. "Architecture, I think, is something that is first found and then made," he adds. "Just as our ancestors found their habitat in caves and woods, in modern times we discover ours among the many things we encounter in this immense built jungle. And it is a discovery like this that leads us to conceive new architecture.

"Here at this exhibition, I'm presenting this concept of what I call 'Found Architecture'. By placing scale human figures next to the ordinary objects found in everyday life or in contexts that might first seem coincidental, if not fortuitous, we would soon start to read these objects as architectural spaces. The discrepancy in scale in these pairings is serendipitous, and what lies beyond them is a prelude of new architecture.

"Within this concept should underlie the question of discovery by chance versus creation with intent. Architecture could come into being from anywhere. I believe fostering that architecture-to-be into real architecture itself is also architecture. Onward architecture continues."

Exhibit of Sou Fujimoto’s architectural installation featuring preserved plants displayed in transparent blocks at Japan House London.

Sou Fujimoto Futures of the Future - Benetton Building

Architectural model featuring white structures adorned with vibrant plants, showcased at Sou Fujimoto's exhibit in Japan House London.

Sou Fujimoto Futures of the Future - House before House

Model of an architectural design by Sou Fujimoto, showcasing innovative structures and integrated natural elements.

Sou Fujimoto Futures of the Future - LA House

Sculptural model by architect Sou Fujimoto displayed at Japan House London, showcasing innovative architectural design and creativity.

Sou Fujimoto Futures of the Future - Multilayer of the louver

Architectural model by Sou Fujimoto with crumpled red paper and miniature figure, showcased at Japan House London.

Sou Fujimoto Futures of the Future - topography

Architectural model featuring white structural elements intertwined with vibrant greenery at Sou Fujimoto's exhibit in Japan House London.

Sou Fujimoto Futures of the Future - Tree Building

Architectural model by Sou Fujimoto featuring abstract white structures with yellow foliage, exhibited at Japan House London.

Sou Fujimoto Futures of the Future Stacked Pieces

Sculptural architectural model by Sou Fujimoto displayed at Japan House London, showcasing innovative design and structural concepts.

Sou Fujimoto Futures of the Future-Mist Tower

Sou Fujimoto: Futures of the Future is on show at Japan House London from 22 June until Sunday 5 August 2018. Find out more at japanhouselondon.uk.