Itsuko Hasegawa facts for kids

Itsuko Hasegawa (born in 1941) is a very talented Japanese architect. She is known for designing buildings that connect with nature and the people who use them.

Her Journey to Becoming an Architect

The Shonandai Cultural Center, a famous building designed by Itsuko Hasegawa.

Itsuko Hasegawa was born in Yaizu City, Japan, in 1941. She loved architecture from a young age. She studied at Kanto Gakuin University and finished her degree in 1964.

After university, she worked with famous architects like Kiyonori Kikutake. She also spent time studying at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. From 1971 to 1978, she worked with another well-known architect, Kazuo Shinohara.

In 1976, Itsuko Hasegawa started her own design studio in Tokyo. It was first called Itsuko Hasegawa Architectural Design Studio. Later, in 1979, it became the Architectural Design Studio. She also traveled a lot, giving talks about her work in places like Rotterdam, Australia, and Los Angeles.

Designing Amazing Buildings

Itsuko Hasegawa has designed many interesting buildings. She often thinks about how people will use the space. She also considers how her buildings fit into the natural world around them.

The Shonandai Cultural Center

In 1987, Itsuko Hasegawa won a big competition. She was chosen to design the Shonandai Cultural Center. At first, some local people were worried about her design. They thought the building would be too much underground.

But Itsuko Hasegawa listened to their ideas. She talked with the residents many times. She explained her vision and made changes based on their feedback. Because of her efforts, everyone loved the building when it opened in 1989. It became a place for the community to enjoy.

The Niigata Performing Arts Center

Itsuko Hasegawa also won a competition to design the Niigata Performing Arts Center. This huge project includes a large concert hall and two theaters. One theater is even for traditional Japanese Noh plays.

The entire center is surrounded by a beautiful park. It was built on land that used to be part of the Shinano River. This shows how she can create big, important buildings that still feel connected to nature.

Awards and Recognition

Itsuko Hasegawa has received many awards for her amazing work. She is recognized around the world for her unique designs.

• She won a Design Prize from the Architectural Institute of Japan for her work on the Bizan Hall.
• She also received the Japan Cultural Design Award for her home designs.
• She was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This is a special honor given to architects who have made a big impact.
• In 2000, she received the Japan Art Academy Award.
• She was also given an Honorary Degree from University College London.

Some of Her Notable Buildings

• Tokumaru children's clinic, Ehime (1979)
• Aono building, Ehime (1980)
• Bizan Hall, Shizuoka (1984)
• Sugai Internal Clinic, Ehime (1986)
• Shonandai Cultural Center (1987–1990)
• Himi Seaside Botanical Garden
• 

  The Yamanashi Fruit Museum and Garden in Japan.
• Yamanashi Fruit Museum and Garden
• Niigata City Performing Arts Center (1993–1998)
• Sumida Culture Factory (1994)
• Namekawa Housing (1998)

Books About Her Work

• Itsuko Hasegawa, Academy Editions, 1993.
• Itsuko Hasegawa, with Stephen Dobney, Images Pub. Group, 1997.
• Island Hopping – Crossover Architecture, NAi Publishers, 2000.

A sofa designed by Itsuko Hasegawa, displayed at the Musée national d'art moderne in Paris.

See also

In Spanish: Itsuko Hasegawa para niños