Renewing a wood architectural tradition for the future

The gravity-defying Yasuhara Wooden Bridge Museum located in Kochi Prefecture is a fitting tribute to both tradition and innovation. Referencing traditional Japanese cantilever construction methods, the namesake wooden bridge connects two museum buildings, and offers impressive outdoor and indoor forms with its alternating and interwoven overhead structure. Made of cedar wood, the elongated inverted pyramid form is supported by one single central pillar and flanked by two glass structures at both ends. Wood played an important role in traditional Japanese architecture, and the architects at Kengo Kuma & Associates show us how this tradition can shine well into the future.

Material

Wood

Project name

Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum, Japan (2011)

Company

Kengo Kuma & Associates

Origin of company

Japan