Architectural Cases

Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, widely recognized for his pioneering work with timber, unveils his latest publication, 'Substance.' This book delves into his comprehensive expertise across a wide array of building elements. Within its pages, Kuma spotlights half a dozen projects, demonstrating his versatility with everything from delicate paper to resilient bamboo.

'Substance,' released through The Images Publishing Group, offers a journey through Kuma's eclectic body of work, structured around six key components: metal, paper, textile, bamboo, stone, and wood. Kuma explains that the book embodies Kengo Kuma and Associates' sustained efforts to craft structures using elements that best align with their specific environment, fostering a profound connection with people.

He believes this is a critical juncture to document and present this methodology, foreseeing a significant transformation in the architectural landscape. He anticipates a move away from vast, monumental structures of concrete and steel towards more modest, ecologically mindful endeavors that emphasize the utilization of local assets. Kuma expressed to Dezeen, "Amidst global challenges, I perceive architecture in this century at a pivotal turning point." He views it as an era transitioning from grand designs to the 'small.' He urges reflection on the environmental impact and cultural impoverishment caused by the colossal, towering buildings of the previous century. He states that the firm's ambition is for 'small' architecture—human-centered, aesthetically pleasing, and capable of forging intimate bonds with individuals. He aimed to encapsulate these efforts within his book.

Kuma asserts that the featured undertakings and components in 'Substance' underscore the studio's dedication to designing in a manner intrinsically linked to each location and its specific context. He draws a parallel between architecture and agriculture, emphasizing the importance of utilizing "materials that are native to and cultivated in each specific region." He elaborates, "Rather than relying on concrete or steel, we consistently strive to discover and employ unique elements indigenous to each project's setting, thereby celebrating the inherent richness of the site's resources." Kuma further notes, "The consistent use of a singular material, as if it were a signature, often suggests designers seeking to position themselves as the central figure of their projects, aiming to establish personal brands. Our approach, conversely, places the location itself at the forefront, initiating the design process by identifying the materials that are most suitable for each specific endeavor."

A selection of six projects illustrating Kuma's empathetic and visually appealing application of diverse materials is presented. For instance, 'Casa Umbrella' in Italy (2008), constructed from textile, was conceived as a portable shelter, highlighting the lightweight and soft qualities of fabric. 'Irori' in Italy (2015), made from paper, was a critique of massive architecture, aiming for the lightest possible structure. 'Cave of Light and Shadow' in China (2023), featuring stone and metal, translated the geometry of a local stone into transparent aluminum cast panels. 'Sensing Spaces' in the UK (2014), crafted from bamboo, showcased the material's strength and transparency. 'Casa Batlló Stairs' in Spain (2020), utilizing metal, reimagined emergency stairs with aluminum ball chains to achieve an organic softness. Finally, 'Domino 3.0' in Italy (2025), made from wood, drew inspiration from storm-battered trees, symbolizing a future where humanity reconnects with nature.

This publication illuminates the shift towards a more thoughtful and context-aware architectural practice, championed by Kengo Kuma. It underscores the importance of choosing construction elements that resonate with their environment and reflect a profound respect for both nature and human experience, moving beyond conventional methods to embrace a philosophy deeply rooted in site-specific sensitivity and material integrity.

Samsung's Chief Design Officer, Mauro Porcini, recently outlined a compelling vision for integrating human values and emotional intelligence into technological innovation, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. Speaking at Milan Design Week, Porcini underscored the profound responsibility that designers bear in steering the trajectory of technology. He articulated a future where AI serves to enhance human capabilities and well-being, moving beyond a purely tech-driven approach to foster deeper, more meaningful engagement with the world. This philosophy aims to counter the potential for technology to create instability or disconnect, instead leveraging its power to build a more human-centered future.

This forward-looking perspective forms the bedrock of Samsung's evolving design strategy, encapsulated in four key themes: 'live longer, live better, live loud, and live on.' These themes are designed to bridge the gap between technological progress and fundamental human requirements, encompassing everything from physical health and personal productivity to creative expression and the preservation of memories. Porcini envisions a future where advancements in AI and automation redefine our relationship with work and leisure, freeing individuals from mundane tasks to pursue more enriching activities. He champions a shift from technology dictating our lives to becoming a liberating force, allowing for deeper connections with family, community, and personal passions. Ultimately, this approach seeks to re-establish design's core purpose: to genuinely serve people and improve their lives.

Reclaiming Humanity in AI-Driven Design

In an increasingly digital world, Mauro Porcini, Samsung's chief design officer, calls for a paradigm shift in technological innovation, emphasizing human values and emotional intelligence over mere technical prowess. During his talk at Milan Design Week, Porcini highlighted the dual nature of artificial intelligence as both an immense opportunity and a significant responsibility. He warned against the risk of technology outpacing our moral frameworks, asserting that AI must always augment humanity rather than replace it. This vision positions design as a crucial discipline for reconnecting technology with emotion, ensuring that products and services enhance human experiences and address genuine societal needs, rather than contributing to instability or detachment.

Porcini's insights were central to Samsung's 'Design is an Act of Love' exhibition, which explored the synergy between AI and design in creating more human-centric experiences. He described the exhibition as a clarion call for the creative community to return to design's foundational purpose: serving people and fostering communities. Drawing on his personal reflections as a parent, Porcini expressed concerns about the potential for future generations to be immersed in a digital environment filled with negativity. He stressed that designers are actively shaping the world for tomorrow's inhabitants, highlighting the immense opportunity and grave responsibility that comes with this role. This perspective urges designers to imbue technology with ethical considerations, ensuring it contributes positively to societal well-being.

Designing for a Meaningful Future: Beyond Uniformity and Towards Purpose

Samsung's design strategy, articulated by Mauro Porcini, is structured around four interconnected themes: 'live longer, live better, live loud, and live on.' These principles aim to align technological advancements with core human needs, spanning from enhancing health and productivity to fostering creativity and preserving personal memories. Porcini posits that the proliferation of AI and automation has the potential to fundamentally alter how individuals allocate their time and perceive their purpose. He challenges the ingrained societal notion that identity is inextricably linked to work, envisioning a future where technology optimizes daily tasks, thereby liberating people to engage in more fulfilling endeavors, such as spending quality time with loved ones or pursuing creative and social passions.

This transformative outlook represents a deliberate pivot from current behaviors, where many feel enslaved by their digital devices. Porcini advocates for technology as a tool for liberation, empowering individuals to disengage from screens and immerse themselves more fully in life experiences. He critiques the prevailing minimalist aesthetic in contemporary technology design, arguing that it has led to a loss of innovation's original intent. In a world characterized by diverse human beings, he observes a pervasive uniformity in product design, urging a return to more expressive and emotionally resonant creations. Porcini suggests that design should evolve beyond the 'form follows function' dictum to 'form and function follow meaning,' with products being shaped by their role in people's lives rather than a monolithic, universal aesthetic. The exhibition showcased conceptual and commercial projects, including AI companions, illustrating how design can seamlessly integrate into daily life, amplifying human capabilities and fostering emotional intelligence. Ultimately, the profound impact of AI, according to Porcini, hinges on human intention and the harmonious integration of artificial and emotional intelligence.