Located in Ibaraki Prefecture in northern Osaka, this project sits at the heart of the Ibaraki Smart Community. The site, formerly a Toshiba manufacturing factory, spans 185,000 square meters. The architect plans to utilize 40,000 square meters to build a new campus for Chase Gate College, serving 3,600 students with facilities for education and daily activities. With the rapid advancement of internet technology, artificial intelligence, and mobile transportation, traditional on-campus classes are evolving. This raises the question: what will the future university look like?
The architect aims to create a learning environment that motivates students to visit campus by drawing inspiration from the mysterious and captivating qualities of traditional Japanese shrines and temples. This approach fosters a cohesive and inviting space, reflecting a vision for the future of universities and learning environments.
The design features a triangular spatial layout, chosen for its efficient use of space and ability to support a variety of academic activities. This form also allows multiple accessible entrances. The architect has named this innovative campus the “Academic Ark,” highlighted by a suspended, massive silver block in the main hall.
The suspended silver block serves as a library filled with numerous books. Surrounding this central space is a book track designed for easy access. On the second and third floors, six large classrooms are distributed, while the fourth and fifth floors house 21 smaller classrooms. Between these blocks, ample spaces on each floor encourage visual communication and interaction among students.
In terms of sustainability, the architect selected stainless steel curtain wall materials etched with the cherry blossom pattern, symbolizing the school’s emblem. This design not only emphasizes the institution’s identity but also reduces summer energy consumption by 60%.
The rooftop garden on the fifth floor, along with the triangular corridor-style terrace, further reduces heat gain inside the building, creating an ideal learning environment. Nestled within a park-like campus, this “Academic Ark” aligns perfectly with the smart community’s future development goals.
The architect envisions this new space as a place that supports students’ daily activities, fostering a unique and close connection among teachers and students, as well as among students themselves, even in the digital era.
Design Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First and Second Floor Plans
△ Third and Fourth Floor Plans
△ Fifth Floor Plan and Section
△ Detailed Section
Project Information
Project Type: University, Sustainable Development
Location: Ibaraki, Japan
Architectural Firm: Mitsubishi Design Institute
Area: 20,409 m²
Year: 2019
Photographers: Shinkenchiku Sha, Naoomi Kurozumi, YAMAGIWA, Hisao Suzuki
Manufacturers: AutoDesk, Blandor, Dyflex, Olivebricks, Robert McNeel & Associates, Sankyo Tateyama Aluminum, Showa Yotal, Trimble Navigation, Vectorworks
Lead Architects: Yasuhiro Sube, Keisuke Aneha, Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei
Structural Engineer: Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Incorporated
Environmental and Mechanical Engineer: Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Incorporated
Lighting Design: Akari+DESIGN Associates
Textile Design: Yoko Ando Design
Construction Management: Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Incorporated
Artistic Coordination: Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Incorporated
Project Management: Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Incorporated
Opening Date: April 2019
Functions: School, Library, Cultural Hall, Studio, Cafeteria
Structural Design: S+SRC
Base Area: 64,415 m²
Construction Area: 6,752 m²
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