Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has been named as the only architect in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people of 2021.
Kuma, who heads up Tokyo-based Kengo Kuma and Associates, was included in the annual ranking of the people the US magazine judges to be the world's most influential.
Top: Kengo Kuma has been named among the 100 most influential people of 2021. Above: he designed the Japan National Stadium
He was recognised for his "intricate buildings", which Kenjiro Hosaka, director of the Shiga Museum of Art, described as "losing architecture".
"Kengo Kuma champions an ideal of 'losing architecture' ? intricate buildings that disappear into their environs ? although it's hard to miss the new National Stadium in Japan when walking through the heart of Tokyo," said Hosaka in the citation. The stadium features areas of greenery on its exterior
This year Kuma was in the limelight as he designed the Japan National Stadium, which was the centrepiece of this year's Olympics Games.
"His stylistic fingerprints can be seen throughout the elaborate project, designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates in collaboration with two other firms for this year's Olympic Games," said Hosaka.
"Greenery dots the facade of the oval-shaped structure, the centerpiece of this year's Games, allowing a series of wooden eaves ? a favored material for Kuma, procured from prefectures across Japan ? to better blend in with the surrounding garden.&...