This Project ( Karuizawa Museum Complex ) is inspired from ORIGAMI, the well-known Japanese paper craft technique, which I united with the nature found in the site of Yatsugatake mountain area in Nagano.
Since the facility is located next to the worldfamous Japanese artist/painter’s Museum, I wanted to harmonize Japanese traditional element and Japanese modern aspect and create an unique architecture.
Photography by © Nacasa & Partners inc
I totally wanted to differenciate my work from theMuseum designed with lots of curves; I used straight lines to make a significant contrast, while showing its originality, but still, I think my work has a well-balance with the museum.
I would say developing ORIGAMI object to a real architectue has been a big challenge; at first, I created objects from paper with ORIGAMI technique, then I developed the structure to a real architectual one by playing with different triangler parts.
Photography by © Nacasa & Partners inc
Project Info:
Architecture: Yasui Hideo Atelier
Location: Kitasaku District, Japan
Type: Commercial › Office -Cultural › Museum
Hospitality + Sport › Restaurant
Status: Built
Year: 2011
Isabelle Laurent is a Built Projects Editor at Arch2O, recognized for her editorial insight and passion for contemporary architecture. She holds a Master’s in Architectural Theory from École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. Before joining Arch2O in 2016, she worked in a Paris-based architectural office and taught as a faculty adjunct at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris. Isabelle focuses on curating projects around sustainability, adaptive reuse, and urban resilience. With a background in design and communication, she brings clarity to complex ideas and plays a key role in shaping Arch2O’s editorial