The National Art Center, Tokyo

Japan International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD Japan) Review

The National Art Center was the last museum designed by Kisho Kurokawa. The museum is surrounded by a large wall surface of bent glass. Although the wall surface looks as if it is completely unintentional, a design project of the highest precision is actually behind it. The lighting may not convey a particular message, but the building is contrived in a way that its materials and space create a sensation of natural beauty. One can see the tremendously delicate work done to bring this creation to life. The architect was required to undergo multiple mock-up experiments until the patterns, intensity of light, and color temperatures were shaped into the desired form.

Architectural design: Kisho Kurokawa,  Lighting design: Tatsuya Iwai
Award: BCS Award 2008 by Japan Federation of Construction Contractors, Good Design Award 2008