Tokyo Gakugei University “Learning Space”

Design Team：VUILD
Size：295.9 m² 
Location：Tokyo, JAPAN

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Feature：
Project - In the Tokyo suburb of Koganei, VUILD has unveiled an ambitious new education facility that aims to shape the future of learning. The "Learning Space" project, commissioned by Tokyo Gakugei University, is an experimental architectural intervention that utilizes cutting-edge fabrication techniques to create a uniquely flexible and adaptable learning environment. At the heart of the design is the use of 5-axis CNC milling to create a complex, sinuous timber formwork system out of cross-laminated timber (CLT). These intricate wooden forms, inspired by organic leaf vein patterns, not only serve as the structural framework for the building, but are left exposed to become an integral part of the architecture itself. This innovative "embedded formwork" approach allows the building to function as both a physical structure and an educational tool, blurring the boundaries between architecture, construction, and pedagogy. Crucially, the project is designed as an "open-ended" space, with the initial conditions of a large roof structure and CNC fabrication equipment allowing users to continuously expand and adapt the facilities to suit their evolving needs. This flexibility, combined with the building's experimental nature, positions it as a bold prototype for the next generation of educational spaces.

 

Design Team - Established in 2017, VUILD is a visionary architecture collective dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design through the seamless integration of digital fabrication technologies. Comprising passionate designers, technicians, and fabricators, the firm harnesses the power of its in-house digital manufacturing capabilities to deliver innovative architectural solutions from concept to construction. Starting from their roots in furniture design, VUILD has since expanded their expertise into the realms of residential and commercial architecture. Their 2019 debut project, "House for Marebito," earned widespread acclaim. Emboldened by this success, VUILD has since taken on an array of ambitious architectural commissions, always striving to challenge conventional industry norms. Guided by a collaborative, inventive, and regenerative design philosophy, the VUILD team works closely with clients to create experiential, high-performance buildings that redefine the possibilities of the built environment. By constantly questioning existing assumptions and pioneering novel fabrication processes, the firm is leading the charge towards a more innovative, sustainable, and democratized future for architecture. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Hiroki Akiyoshi, VUILD's talented roster of architects, engineers, and fabricators are united in their mission to co-create inspiring visions for the next generation. With a growing portfolio of awards and accolades, VUILD is firmly established as a trailblazer in the architecture industry, pushing the boundaries of what's possible through the power of digital design and manufacturing.