Description - The Architect Show

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.

Catalogue: Kengo Kuma - Onomatopoeia Architecture, Exhibition Athens

This special edition was created by Mango Adv exclusively for the Onomatopoeia Exhibition in Greece. Photography of Onomatopoeia in Athens by Gavriil Papadiotis.

Photography of Onomatopoeia in Athens by Gavriil Papadiotis

Architecture in the Heart of Athens: The Unique Grand Opening of Kengo Kuma’s Exhibition “Onomatopoeia”

Athens, February 10, 2025 — On Saturday, February 8, the opening of the exhibition “Onomatopoeia” by the distinguished Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, at the former Public Tobacco Factory in Athens, organized by Medexpo in collaboration with TEE, was successfully held.The event gathered a crowd from the architecture and design community, as well as from the wider cultural space, which flooded the Kapnergostasiou hall and watched with interest the discussion surrounding the philosophy of Kengo Kuma’s work.

The event, coordinated by the journalist Maria Akrivou, was welcomed by the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Nikitas Kaklamanis who noted among other things that “This is an unexpected meeting of Greece and its values with Japanese culture, as it passes through a multicultural, global filter”.The Ambassador of Japan to Greece, Mr. Ito Koichi, followed, stating: “We have gathered tonight to celebrate the Architecture of Onomatopoeia. This is a unique opportunity to understand the world of Kengo Kuma in an even more vivid and realistic way. I hope that through this exhibition, even more people in Greece will discover and appreciate the richness of Japanese culture.” Mr. Dinos Benroubi, Vice President and CEO of METKA ATE, which is the Grand Sponsor of the exhibition, added: “As METKA ATE, we are proud to be part of this significant moment—not only as a major sponsor but also as the builder of the Riviera Galleria in Elliniko, an iconic project that bears the signature of Kengo Kuma and his team.” Finally, Mariangela Tsota-Angelopoulou, co-founder of Medexpo and organizer of the exhibition, thanked all attendees and the hundreds of visitors who had already attended, stating: “It is a great honor and joy, beyond The Architect Show, to be co-organizers with the Technical Chamber of Greece in what may be the most important architectural exhibition in recent years in our country, honouring the work of Kengo Kuma. His work is proof of the eternal connection between tradition and innovation, between the environment and humanity in architecture.”

During the event, Kengo Kuma presented the philosophy behind “Onomatopoeia” and how it forms an integral part of the creative process in his works. He has stated:”In this exhibition at the former Public Tobacco Factory in Athens, I would like to showcase how I create a dialogue with materials. In this dialogue, I do not often use a language influenced by logic. And when I do, it is impossible for people to understand me. That is why I always use rhymes. The material and the body communicate with each other and harmonize using this primitive language.” Finally, the distinguished architect led a brief tour of the exhibition space, where, through the exhibits, he demonstrated how each Onomatopoeia comes to life through materials and the natural environment.

Photography of the Grand Opening