When I draw something, the brain and the hands work together.

When I draw something, the brain and the hands work together.

Look at London or Paris: they're both filthy. You don't get that in Tokyo. The proud residents look after their city.

When I design buildings, I think of the overall composition, much as the parts of a body would fit together. On top of that, I think about how people will approach the building and experience that space.

In the West there has always been the attempt to try make the religious building, whether it's a Medieval or Renaissance church, an eternal object for the celebration of God. The material chosen, such as stone, brick, or concrete, is meant to eternally preserve what is inside.

We borrow from nature the space upon which we build.

Working in Tokyo has convinced me that, contrary to what people think, it is actually one of the world's most beautiful cities.