Kengo Kuma and Associates partnered with Danish manufacturer Dinesen to create the Earth/Tree installation at Copenhagen Contemporary. The suspended wood slat structure integrates Dinesen wood and Pedersen Tegl brick tiles, symbolizing the connection between earth and tree. Lighting by Anker & Co enhances the Japanese concept of komorebi, casting dynamic shadows through the wooden ceiling. The installation occupies an old industrial hall, blending natural materials with architectural innovation.
What Happened
Kengo Kuma and Associates, led by partner Yuki Ikeguchi, designed Earth/Tree using wood sourced from Dinesen and bricks from Pedersen Tegl. The installation features a suspended ceiling of wooden slats meeting a floor of hand-thrown brick tiles. The design draws inspiration from komorebi, the interplay of light and shadow through foliage, realized here through lighting by Anker & Co.
Why It Matters for the AECM Industry
This project exemplifies innovative material collaboration between architects and manufacturers, showcasing how natural materials like wood and brick can be integrated into contemporary installations. The use of locally sourced materials supports sustainable practices and highlights opportunities for manufacturers to partner on high-profile architectural projects. Lighting design that complements materiality offers new avenues for experiential architecture.
What's Next
Earth/Tree remains on display at Copenhagen Contemporary, inviting further exploration of natural material applications in adaptive reuse of industrial spaces. Future projects by Kengo Kuma and Associates may continue to emphasize material authenticity and sensory architectural experiences.
Source: https://www.dezeen.com/2026/04/09/kengo-kuma-earth-tree-installation-copenhagen-contemporary/. Read the original story →
