In the form of a privately owned and funded museum- the Mecenat Art Project, Naf Architect & Design creates a building of concrete which believes it is origami paper.
Courtesy Of Noriyuki Yano
Dedicated to the exposition of the artworks of Kakudo GOAMI, whose works incorporate the many variabilities of light across the seasons and the noble spirit of the Orient, the architect took several steps to create spaces which would show the paintings in the best possible stance. The first is the structure. The building needs no interior columns, only walls as large as possible.
Courtesy Of Noriyuki Yano
The second is a large helping of natural light. To this end, the build’s corners are opened, allowing natural light and the elements access to the exhibition spaces. This move would normally create a structurally unsound scheme, so in response, the building’s surfaces are linked as if they were all part of one large piece of folded paper. This move was modeled and analyzed rigorously using computer software.
Courtesy Of Noriyuki Yano
The museum becomes a beacon of sorts during the night. Its location is one utterly void of streetlights (can you imagine?!), so the museum, timed to light up at night, becomes an instant landmark for the area.
Courtesy Of Noriyuki Yano
Matt Davis is a Virginia Tech graduate and one of the founding editors behind Arch2O. Launching the platform in mid‑2012 alongside fellow Hokies, he helped shape its identity as an international hub for design innovation and critical dialogue . With a foundation in architectural education and a passion for uncovering unconventional design approaches, Matt has contributed significantly—both editorially and strategically—to Arch2O’s growth, ensuring that emerging architects, academics, and creatives have a space to question, explore, and elevate the built environment.