A Day with Fujimori Tokyo, Japan
Fujimori uses simple, elemental materials that highlight the relationship of architecture to the ground from which all its materials come. Following the tradition and role of an architect, he designs and builds himself, maintaining total control over the construction. His interest as an architect lay in pushing the limit and constraints of traditional Japanese architecture, and as a result, he has created highly expressive pieces of architecture. We had a chance to spend half a day with Fujimori and lunch with him and his wife. He took us to see one of his recent projects entirely clad in copper that had been wrinkled reminiscent of split wood shingles. Then we saw his personal residence. The exterior is composed of living plants linking architecture to nature. There’s something about his interiors that primitive but still warm and comfortable. His balance is almost perfect.