Like any self-respecting architect would do, Ryuji Nakamura is effusively unwavering when it comes to the pursuit for creative inspiration. Unencumbered by pre-packaged notions of design, Nakamura is steadily earning acclaim for an ardour to experiment and reconfigure how space and objects can be manipulated.
Born in Nagano, Japan in 1972, Nakamura holds a Masters in Architecture from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. In 2004, he established Ryuji Nakamura Architects as a multifarious practice specializing in a wide range of areas. Profoundly devoted to inducing a new awareness of form and material, his work comprises outstanding examples in architecture, interiors, products, art-installations and others.
In recent years, Nakamura has transformed inspirations adapted from paper, ribbons and free-flowing forms into an ongoing series of idiosyncratic projects. Amongst these include: the groundbreaking Hechima chair collection, featuring an intricate lattice structure made entirely of vulcanized paper fiber; stage design for opera performance 'Le Grand Macabre', executed by means of dangling ribbons; the cut-out paper house; and an installation comprising the ‘Seven Installations by Japanese Architects’ at Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art.
As a designer keen to push the creative boundaries, Nakamura’s labors have been recognized by a wide range of awards. Awards conferred on him include JCD design awards, Good Design Award, the Great Indoors Award, and Tokyo Designer’s week award. Exhibitions of his work have been showcased across Japan and overseas – at galleries and museums in the US, Denmark, London’s 100% Design, and others. A frequent lecturer about design and related issues, Nakamura is noted for having shared his views across a spectrum of venues and events throughout Japan.
