Japanese landscape architecture has historically balanced human-created aesthetics with nature. Japanese gardens feature bright, bold arched bridges and tiered lanterns—striking complements to flowering trees and snaking streams. From this tradition emerges Hiroshi Nakamura, who has also mastered this art of balance, incorporating his contemporary architecture into stands of trees, open views, or dense forests.

Nakamura built a tree house tearoom, “Bird’s Nest Atami,” replete with lattices and suspended bridges. The community hall he built at a cemetery has trees bursting through the center of the building. Nakamura works with his architectural firm, Hiroshi Nakamura & Nap Co., Ltd.out of Setagaya, Tokyo.