Creative Industry Report: Sou Fujimoto

Sou Fujimoto, Sou Fujimoto Architects, Architecture Is Everywhere, 2015, MOMA, New York.

During my visit to The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York, I chanced upon Sou Fujimoto’s work. Instantly, it left a deep impression on me and is one of the notable works I saw.

Architecture is Everywhere, by Sou Fujimoto uses various unexpected materials to construct unconventional miniature architectural models on pedestals. He seeks a different understanding of nature and exercises what we have around. For example, he would use everyday used objects such as potato chips, binder clips, or the sponge by the sink, and equates that to something as significant as the buildings we encounter daily by playing with scale, hence creating surreal situations with new meanings. The tiny structures are labelled with short aphorisms and are accompanied by small white human figures that interact with the spaces. Fujimoto creates whimsical and intricate architectural designs that ask the viewer to question their own space and how they relate to the ordinary objects around them—reflecting the notion of “found architecture”.

Fujimoto’s notion of “found architecture” proposes a new way forward for architecture and design. He suggested how we could harmonise the old and new, nature and human-made; creating a path to find the in-between. I admire his ability to incorporate humour and practicality into effortlessly stunning architectural pieces.

Architecture Is Everywhere also questions the curatorial process; like how Duchamp’s Fountain questioned the definitions of art and the context of the display. It led me to wonder if Fujimoto’s installation was not part of an exhibition with reputable artistic directions, and is presented differently, what would the outcome be? 

Design inspiration could come from anywhere, even the mundane objects. The smallest insignificant thing could be an inspiration for a deeper meaning, and it lies within how we can manipulate or curate it. From Fujimoto, I can take away his notion of “found architecture” and challenge myself how I can restructure and improve what has been done into something innovative. To respect and work with what already exists to create a higher quality of design.



Floor Nature. (n.d.). Biography of the Architect: Sou Fujimoto. Retrieved September, 2020, from fujimoto-120/

Fujimoto, S., & Architects, S. (2019). Sou Fujimoto, Sou Fujimoto Architects. Architecture Is Everywhere. 2015: MoMA. Retrieved September, 2020, from

Japan House. (n.d.). Who is Sou Fujimoto? Retrieved September, 2020, from

Quintal, B. (2015, October 23). AD Interviews: Sou Fujimoto / Chicago Architecture Biennial. Retrieved September, 2020, from

Waldek, S. (2016, June 22). Architect Sou Fujimoto Discusses 7 of His Favorite Projects [Digital image]. Retrieved September, 2020, from

Author: Daphne Ngatimin

everyone's got an act.

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