Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has won the international Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award 2002.
Mr Kuma will be presented with the award and €50,000 at a televised ceremony inside the timber-built Sibelius Hall, Lahti, Finland on September 21.
His work is characterised by a refined use of wood and the awards jury described him as having a profound understanding of the nature of wood as a building material. The award will also be a tribute to the long tradition of Japanese wood architecture and handicraft skills.
Mr Kuma will give an open lecture in Helsinki on September 20 and his work will feature in the new book, ‘Kengo Kuma, Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award 2002’.
The award was established by the Wood in Culture Association and is supported by the Finnish Forest Foundation.
