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Kengo Kuma has a philosophy: to enrich the connection between buildings and nature, 鈥渁lmost tuning-in鈥� to the materials. His architecture is inspired by traditional Japanese design, and he鈥檚 a serious critic of the global dominance of concrete.

Time magazine named him the world鈥檚 most influential architect in 2021. Kuma鈥檚 mission has manifested in iconic buildings including China鈥檚 Folk Art Museum, the V&A in Scotland, and Japan鈥檚 National Stadium, built for the 2020 Olympics. His work also extends to 鈥渕icro-architecture鈥�, encompassing pens and sustainable sneakers, among other things.

Broadcaster Nick Luscombe follows Kuma to Japan鈥檚 oldest and largest lake, and to the ancient capital of Otsu, to observe an unusual project. Kuma is attempting to represent the history of the area not by constructing a new building, but by creating a monument to a legendary cow. Along the way we hear from Chief Priest Fuke of Mii-dera Temple, and philosopher/writer Seigo Matsuoka.

Presenter/producer: Nick Luscombe
Executive producer: Jack Howson
A Peanut & Crumb production for 成人论坛 World Service

(Image: Kengo Kuma. Credit: Jack Howson)