ONOMATOPOEIA
Function|Onomatopoiea Architecture
Location|Former Tobacco Factroy, Athens, Greece
Type|International Exhibition
Size|Built Area: 1,000.00 sqm
Stage|Completed I Built
Architectural Design|KKAA I Kengo Kuma & Associates Architects
Design Implementation|KAAF I Kitriniaris Associates Architecture Firm
Organizers|Medexpo & Technical Chamber of Greece
Side Event|The Architect Show
Supporters|Hellenic Parliament, Embassy of Japan, Hellenic Institute of Architecture
Photographer|KAAF & Gavriil Papadiotis
Publications
Designboom|Digital, Global, February 2025
Onomatopoiea Architecture|Exhibition Catalogue, Athens, Greece, January 2025
Lectures
Entopoeia|A structural Narrative Inspired by Onomatopoeia, Athens, Greece, March 2025
Description
Medexpo and the Technical Chamber of Greece, as a side event of the Architect Show, in collaboration with Kengo Kuma and Associates, present the exhibition Onomatopoeia Architecture, dedicated to the renowned contemporary Japanese architect and his works. The exhibition, held at the Former Public Tobacco Factory in Athens, features models of iconic projects by the Japanese architect, offering a multisensory experience that highlights the vocal dimension of materials. It focuses on the dialogue between people and materials, as well as Kuma’s exploration of Onomatopoeia - the formation of words by imitating sounds - which holds a unique significance in the Greek language. Starting from the concept of Onomatopoeia, Kuma emphasizes sustainable architecture, reconnecting people with natural elements. Drawing inspiration from Japanese traditions and materials such as wood, paper, and metal, he utilizes them in a unique and contemporary manner.
Kuma’s architecture often draws inspiration from the past, featuring strong structural elements while also being sensory and tactile. His creations are characterized by lightness and a sense of movement, evoking a musical flow and rhythm that inspire him. He seeks to minimize the use of concrete as much as possible, creating buildings that appear to float above the ground, often conveying a sense of lightness or even ambiguity. Between September 2024 and March 2025, KAAF Architects collaborated with Kengo Kuma’s offices in Tokyo and Paris for the design implementation of the Onomatopoeia Expo - a landmark cultural event hosted at the Former Tobacco Factory in Athens in early 2025. Visitors had the opportunity to explore iconic models and projects by the internationally acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, where materials such as wood, paper, and metal became poetic expressions of sustainable design - blending tradition with contemporary innovation. KAAF expresses their sincere appreciation for being part of this celebration of architecture, alongside all the teams, sponsors, supporters, and providers who brought this unique exhibition to life.
Kuma’s architecture often draws inspiration from the past, featuring strong structural elements while also being sensory and tactile. His creations are characterized by lightness and a sense of movement, evoking a musical flow and rhythm that inspire him. He seeks to minimize the use of concrete as much as possible, creating buildings that appear to float above the ground, often conveying a sense of lightness or even ambiguity. Between September 2024 and March 2025, KAAF Architects collaborated with Kengo Kuma’s offices in Tokyo and Paris for the design implementation of the Onomatopoeia Expo - a landmark cultural event hosted at the Former Tobacco Factory in Athens in early 2025. Visitors had the opportunity to explore iconic models and projects by the internationally acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, where materials such as wood, paper, and metal became poetic expressions of sustainable design - blending tradition with contemporary innovation. KAAF expresses their sincere appreciation for being part of this celebration of architecture, alongside all the teams, sponsors, supporters, and providers who brought this unique exhibition to life.