SINGAPORE- 12 May 2015, TOTO Asia Oceania, successfully held its first architect seminar programme in Singapore that attracted more than 2,800 attendees. It featured Sou Fujimoto as the main speaker, a widely recognised young rising star who is anticipated to be part of the next generation of world-class Japanese architects. Themed “Futures of the Future”, the event celebrated the 30th anniversary of TOTO Gallery MA, TOTO’s not-for-profit gallery in Tokyo that promotes architecture and design.
Named the “Architecture Innovator of the Year” by the Wall Street Journal in 2014, Fujimoto shared with students and professionals on how the process of designing a building is about exploring future possibilities and planting “seeds of the future”. He also showcased his previous award-winning buildings and explained his process of designing through “trial and error” and by questioning the fundamentals of architecture.
“The TOTO Group is committed to being a beneficial presence to society through our products and social programs. We are very pleased to launch this event in Singapore, to inspire young Singaporeans towards art and architecture, and to provide a platform for idea sharing and engagement among local architects,” said Mr Kazuo Watanabe, President of TOTO Asia Oceania.
At the seminar, a panel discussion was also carried out where Fujimoto was joined by three speakers from government, education and industry namely, Larry Ng, Dr Erwin Viray and Ling Hao.
They discussed how Singapore can foster more architectural passions in its people; if architects have a responsibility to sustainability design, and how education, outreach, technology and design can address challenges in the industry.
Autographed copies of Fujimoto’s new book “Sou Fujimoto Architecture Works 1995-2015” were launched for sale at the event. Released by TOTO Publishing on 16 April, the book is a collection of all 107 works including previously unpublished works and with explanations of the concept behind each project. His first book “Primitive Future” was the year’s best-selling architecture book in 2008.
The architect seminar programme in Singapore complemented Fujimoto’s exhibition based on the same theme held from April to June 2015 at TOTO GALLERY•MA. “Singapore is well-known for its world-class cultural and residential projects, global talent and an attitude that embraces the future with confidence, yet does not forget the past,” said Fujimoto.
Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2015 (ended)
Title: “FUTURES OF THE FUTURE” by Sou Fujimoto
Venue: Level 6 & 8, Star Theatre at THE STAR Performing Arts Centre
Time: 7:30pm- 9:30pm
Sou Fujimoto
Sou Fujimoto was born August 4, 1971 in Hokkaido, Japan. He graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in architecture in 1994, and established Sou Fujimoto Architects in Tokyo in 2000. Today, he is a well-awarded Japanese architect of international acclaim. His connection with TOTO was developed when he first held his exhibitions and seminars through TOTO GALLERY•MA.