Klein Dytham architecture: to Tokyo and Beyond

Klein Dytham architecture: to Tokyo and Beyond celebrates the Tokyo-based studio famous for its playful yet thoughtful approach to design.

This comprehensive monograph explores seventy-six projects from KDa’s impressive body of award-winning, multidisciplinary work from across Japan, Thailand, Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Blending humor, experimentation, and respect for tradition, these projects range from early works, such as Daikanyama T-SITE in Tokyo and Open House in Bangkok, to more recent works, including the Fender flagship store in Tokyo and a Japanese cypress façade for the Cartier boutique in Osaka. This insightful monograph also highlights the studio’s contributions to global cultural phenomena like PechaKucha Night, and how KDa’s innovative ideas intertwine with the cultural, social, and architectural fabric of Japan.

Thought-provoking narratives explore KDa’s creative process and philosophy, while stunning full-color photography captures the bold and vibrant aesthetics emblematic of KDa’s style. From camouflaging forty-story towers in an alpine resort to transforming a commercial building with intricate, openwork cladding, KDa’s designs have a sense of whimsy that brings joy and curiosity to architecture enthusiasts and observers alike.

Klein Dytham architecture (KDa) is a Tokyo-based design studio founded by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, along with Yukinari Hisayama. Since its establishment in 1991, KDa has been celebrated for its bold, imaginative, and community-focused approach to architecture and design. The firm pushes the boundaries of creativity, producing a diverse portfolio that spans architecture, interiors, installations, and public spaces. KDa’s work is characterized by a playful sensibility, innovative use of materials, and a deep respect for the cultural and contextual nuances of each project. With a reputation for breaking conventions, Klein Dytham architecture remains at the forefront of contemporary design, redefining the role of architecture in modern society.