Our layout in the Kashii neighborhood is difficult to understand without knowing the radical change that the initial urban planning approach underwent. Isozaki's study, which had selected six architects born after 1941 (Steven Holl, Osamu Ishiyama, Rem Koolhaas, Marc Mack, Christian de Portzamparc, and Oscar Tusquets), was responsible for an urban design that envisioned almost continuous buildings along the perimeter of the streets, enveloping the green area.

We were given specifications: the building line, the maximum buildable depth, the distance to the neighboring lot, as well as both the maximum regulatory height and a cornice line at the top and another at the ground floor level. In summary, the design followed the traditional occidental corridor street model, with continuous facades and uniform height restrictions. This approach was shared by other well-known projects of the time — IBA in Berlin, the Villa Olímpica in Barcelona... — and coincided with my own way of thinking, the urbanism I like, understand, and know how to do.

However, the final result in Kashii is clearly opposed to what was initially intended and, for me, it’s a high-level architecture fair but a poor piece of city.

The truth is, as I finished the basic project, I began to realize the liberties the other architects were taking with Isozaki's permissiveness. But stubbornly, I didn’t want to get off my high horse, and I stayed there, at the back of the class like an obedient and somewhat outdated child.

Fukuoka Beautification Award 1995