Hirosa Sambuita's buildings, such as the Rocco-Sidare and Miyajima Misen observatories, the Orizuru Tower in Hiroshima, the Inujima Island Art Museum, and the Naoshima Hall Community Center are deeply contextual and closely related to the environment and the history of the area. Akin to natural natural objects, man-made structures made of wood, concrete and metal seem to "sprout" from the landscape, and the boundaries between internal and external spaces are blurred as much as possible.
Hirosa Sambuita's installation in the underground reservoirs of Frederiksberg, Denmark. Photo: Jens Markus Lindhe
Hirosy Sambuita at one of his lectures
"All architects say that the context of the place is important, but Sambuity masterfully works with the most subtle materials. His feeling and understanding of the territory resonates with the forces of nature – wind, rain, sun, and approaches the metaphysics of the sublime,” says James Carpenter, an American architect and member of the Daylight Award jury, about the 2018 prize-winner.
Hirosa Sambuita's philosophy is that "architecture should become a part of the planet, a plant that breathes oxygen and uses the energy of the sun."
To build like Sambuits, it is not enough to know the subtleties of design. Hirosy spends a lot of time on researching the context and spiritual knowledge.
Miyajima Misen Observatory. Image source: Sambuichi Architects
Miyajima Misen Observatory - view of the Sea of Japan. Image source: Sambuichi Architects
View of Hiroshima from the observation deck of the Orizumu Tower. Image source: Sambuichi Architects
For example, before starting the design of Naoshima Hall, he spent two and a half years on the island - studying its climatic and geographical characteristics and finding out how the local architecture resonates with the nature and biosphere of the Sea of Japan. Sambuity himself characterizes Naoshima Hall as "a project that reflects the wisdom of the local way of life in close proximity to nature."
Naoshima Hall is a community center on the island of Naoshima in the Sea of Japan. Image source: Sambuichi Architects
The roof of Naosima Hall is made of cypress wood and concrete. Image source: Sambuichi Architects
Naoshima Hall is a multi-purpose cultural center where local residents can gather for various events. Its territory borders a traditional Japanese garden. A distinctive feature of the pyramidal building is the roof covered with hinoki wood - Japanese cypress, which is topped by a white concrete profile. The structure seems to soar above the plinth sunk into the hill. Light penetrates into the inner space through the glazing belt around the perimeter of the pyramid.
Interior spaces of Naoshima Hall. Photo: Shigeo Ogawa
By designing buildings that are naturally lit and ventilated, Sambuity does not reject modern technologies. But he tries to create a self-sufficient architecture that uses natural resources and energy.
Rocco-Sidare Observatory. Image source: Sambuichi Architects
Rocco-Sidare Observatory. Image source: Sambuichi Architects