Sou Fujimoto
Founder & Principal, Sou Fujimoto Architects, Japan
He is a renowned Japanese architect known for his innovative and thought-provoking designs that challenge conventional architectural boundaries.
Sou Fujimoto established his own architectural practice in 2000. His work quickly gained recognition for its unique approach, blending nature, architecture, and human interaction in a harmonious and sometimes provocative manner. His designs often explore the relationship between inside and outside spaces, as well as the boundaries between nature and built environments.
He designed the Serpentine Pavilion in London in 2013. The pavilion, a delicate lattice of white steel, is a prime example of his philosophy of creating spaces that evoke both natural and artificial environments simultaneously. The structure blurs the lines between architecture and nature, creating a transparent, cloud-like space that invites visitors to explore its ambiguous boundaries. Other notable projects include House N in Oita, Japan, a residential project that features a series of nested boxes with varying degrees of openness, and the Musashino Art University Museum & Library, which is characterized by its labyrinthine interior and extensive use of bookshelves as structural elements.
Sou Fujimoto is a frequent lecturer and has taught at various institutions both in Japan and abroad. His work has been exhibited internationally and he has received numerous awards, including the Japan Institute of Architects Grand Prix and the Wallpaper Design Award.
He studied architecture at the University of Tokyo (1994).
Monocle Radio: Tall Stories Interview with Sou Fujimoto
Sou Fujimoto, Asia Pacific Jury Chair for the Holcim Foundation Awards 2025 joins Monocle Radio to discuss his journey from physics to architecture.
Listen as he shares insights on the critical role of sustainable design in blending architecture with nature in innovative and meaningful ways.