kengo kuma embraces shadows in wallpaper + flooring collection for sangetsu

renowned architect kengo kuma has collaborated with japanese manufacturer sangetsu in a collection of wallpapers and carpets. dubbed kagetohikari, the collection marries kuma’s architectural aesthetic using natural materials that can change over time with sangetsu’s millenary know-how in interior materials. under the theme of how can traditional japanese beauty be expressed in wall coverings and flooring materials, the two parties have derived a series of dialogues, in which the faint light shifts, shimmers, and overlaps in the shadows that appear in the space.

images by sangetsu

created by engineers and craftsmen from all over japan, the kagetohikari collection by kengo kuma for sangetsu connects japanese aesthetics with architectural spaces. it consists of three categories: sharashara, mowamowa, and tsubu. sharashara is intended to showcase different layer depths; mowamowa represents that that flutters like a soft mist; and tsubasa features expressive shadows. 

‘from the beginning, japanese people have felt the beauty of the world view of light and shadow, and have cherished it,’ said kengo kuma. ‘among them, I think that I have found the transition, overlap, imperfections, and beauty of light in itsshadow. therefore, this time, with the theme of kagetohikari, I wanted to express the warmth, texture, and design that resonates with the five senses. in addition, by constructing the design using universal elements such as points, lines, and curves that can be said to be the prototype of the shape, it is designed to be the basis for considering buildings, people, and regional characteristics.’

project info:

name: kagetohikari wallpaper + carpet collection

designed by: kengo kuma

designed for: sangetsu