Kenzo Tange-designed gymnasium to be demolished
Despite the best efforts of preservation groups and years of deliberations by local government, the brutalist curved concrete Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium is heading to demolition, with the prefecture setting aside a budget of 46 million Yen to tear down the landmark building.
Brutalist church in Kyoto to be demolished
The former Karasuma Church in Kyoto is facing imminent demolition. The 5-story concrete building is a local landmark for its unusual design.
Kuwait Embassy to be rebuilt
Tokyo will lose another one of Kenzo Tange's works, with the Kuwait Embassy building in Tokyo due to be demolished and rebuilt next year.
The 47-year old building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kenzo Tange (1913-2005) and completed in 1970. Tange is considered one of the most significant architects of the 20th century, designing numerous modernist buildings across Japan and the world.
The 4,100 sqm, 7-story embassy building is located in Minato ward’s Mita district. The upper floors housed the Ambassador’s Residence, while lower floors contained offices. Construction is scheduled to start in April 2018, with completion by April 2020. The new building will be 5-storeys with a total floor area of 3,500 sqm. Suga Architects Office has been selected as the design firm for the new building. Plans on their website show a glass building with a dramatic draped rooftop.