kengo kuma devises 'tsumiki', a system of stackable wooden modules

kengo kuma devises ‘tsumiki’, a system of stackable wooden modules
image © ikunori yamamoto

in collaboration with ryuichi sakamoto’s forest conservation organization more trees, architect kengo kuma has has designed a set of triangular-shaped modular pieces. called ‘tsumiki’ — a name that means ‘wooden blocks’ in japanese — the individual components can be stacked and assembled in a variety of ways, allowing the user to create original sculptures.

the tsumiki pavilion is a temporary structure erected in tokyo’s midtown park
image © ikunori yamamoto

during tokyo design week 2015, kengo kuma used this same concept to design the tsumiki pavilion — a temporary structure erected in tokyo’s midtown park. in addition to the pyramidal installation, individual pieces were arranged in a semi-circle, varying in scale from large to small. the ‘tsumiki’ elements are made from japanese cedar, and manufactured using wood certified by the forest stewardship council.

individual pieces were arranged in a semi-circle
image © ikunori yamamoto

visitors were encouraged to interact with the individual modules
image © designboom

the wooden pieces vary in scale from large to small
image © designboom

guests to the park can walk under the installation
image © designboom

the structure includes ten stacked layers
image © designboom

detail highlighting the structural form
image © designboom

the project was developed in collaboration with forest conservation organization ‘more trees’
image © ikunori yamamoto

‘tsumiki’ translates as ‘wooden blocks’ in japanese
image © ikunori yamamoto

the components can be stacked and assembled in a variety of ways
image © ikunori yamamoto

a series of original sculptures
image © ikunori yamamoto

a camel (left) and dog (right)
image © ikunori yamamoto

kengo kuma’s tsumiki design will soon be available to buy in japan
image © ikunori yamamoto

project info:

tsumiki pavilion design: kengo kuma and associates, kengo kuma and shuhei kamiya
organizer: moretrees
structural engineer: ejiri structural engineers, noriyasu ejiri
lighting design: izumi okayasu
construction: TSP taiyo