Kengo Kuma renders Kinetic Energy to the Kita with Rolls-Royce Dawn.
Who would have thought that the architecture and automotive industry would mesh well together?
Bridging the gap of these two uniquely indulgent and artful worlds is British luxury car maker, Rolls-Royce, and revered Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, both pulling all the stops with the unveiling of a first-of-its-kind bespoke Rolls-Royce Dawn. This singular motorcar is designed as the moving representation of The Kita, an exclusive mid-rise residential edifice, also designed by Kuma. The bespoke Dawn was created for the exclusive use of the owner of the unique multi-level penthouse, The Kita Tea House, which sits atop the newly completed property in the tranquil yet central Kitasando neighborhood.
Framed by views of the Eternal Forest of the Meiji Shrine and Kengo Kuma’s reborn Japan National Stadium, the penthouse is so named for its rooftop teahouse. “It was an honor to collaborate with Kengo Kuma to create a serene and timeless motorcar for a serene and timeless building. From the inception of the marque over 100 years ago, Rolls-Royce has transcended the automotive field, taking the tangible entity of a car and delivering its patrons the intangible: a truly unique experience,” says Gavin Hartley, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars head of Bespoke Design. “As this project demonstrates, through the authentic application of unique designs and materials, we can provide rare sensory experiences that reflect and enhance our owners’ multi-faceted lifestyles.”
The Dawn
As is characteristic of Kengo Kuma’s architecture, The Kita challenges the relationship between the interior and exterior. The open-top Dawn was therefore a natural canvas for the accompanying motorcar, a peaceful and cocooning private space where you are conversely never disconnected from the outside world.
“This is the first time I have consulted on a project of this kind and I am proud that I was able to do so for Rolls-Royce, a company with which I share a respect for traditional craftsmanship and a desire to bring out the best in natural materials,” shares Kuma. “Rolls-Royce has brought the essence of The Kita into the car’s aesthetic, allowing the owners of The Kita Tea House to take in their surrounding city environment. It is a great honor to see the car finally here at home in Tokyo.”
To learn more about this premium collaboration of Kengo Kuma and Rolls-Royce, click on the link to BluPrint’s latest e-mag feature.
