Breaking boundary between different departments in University, the client (Tohoku University) asked us to design an open space, where students and doctors can exchange ideas and research flexibly across all the different classes and departments. Therefore, we designed
a new research department as an ‘open laboratory,’ which allows students and visitors to enjoy communal activities between the classes inside while they are surrounded by views of nature. We considered the landscape surrounding this new building, which we felt we should have access to the future development of the new underground station close to the university and the giant golf field. This created a sort of landscape. By proposing these spatial sequences, we created a comfortable open outside space connecting the new architecture and the neighbourhoods nearby.The laboratories ‘functional space’ is located to the south side of the site and is shaped like an arch. Here we omitted any divisions to open the space out more likea ‘loft’ to allow communication between professors and students. Partitions can also be used if they need to divide the classes occasionally.To avoid using too much summer cooling, we designed louvres in the south facade. The structure is also designed to be strong enough to withsatnd against earthquakes.
Client : Tohoku University
Architects: Shoichi Haryu Architect & Associates
Site area 1,244.07 sqm
Total floor area: 8,133.3 sqm
Wooden + S-RC Structure
