The Hiroshima Institute of Wisdom integrates nature with architecture seamlessly. Situated on Osaki Ueshima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, this comprehensive middle and high school operates based on a whole-food dormitory system. Its mission is to nurture leaders capable of shaping a better future both locally and globally.
The school consists of two main campuses: one by the seaside and the other inland. Due to the indistinct site boundaries, the architect introduced courtyards of various sizes early in the design process—namely the “Orange Square,” “Learning Garden,” and “Living Garden.” These courtyards create distinct atmospheres within the academic buildings and dormitory units. The defining feature of the campus is its “settlement” layout—a cluster of functional areas arranged around courtyards, connected through covered corridors or eaves, fostering seamless interaction.
The architectural layout is organized on a “settlement by settlement” basis, maintaining continuity across learning units and communal spaces. This design allows both individual students and groups to connect fluidly within the campus. Beyond spatial design, the school explores scalability in education through programs like the “International IB Program” and “International Cooperation Program.” Corresponding with its function, each building’s structural form offers a high degree of freedom within the various settlements.
The flexible layout, reminiscent of an amoeba, mirrors the partitions in the construction plan and allows for future campus expansion. Taking advantage of the warm Setouchi climate, the semi-outdoor connecting passages serve as vibrant living spaces for students. These areas gently blend nature with architecture, embodying the architects’ vision to merge buildings with the natural environment on a large scale, erasing barriers between the school and the island. Ultimately, the entire island is envisioned to grow into a rich environment for living and learning.
Project Drawings
△ Base Schematic Diagram
△ First Floor Plan
△ Classroom Floor Plan and Sectional View
△ Plan and Section Views
Project Information
Architect: CAn
Area: 10,580 m²
Year: 2022
Photographer: Hiroshi Ueda
Manufacturers: KEY TEC, Nakamoto Zourin, Tamiya
Lead Designers: Susumu Uno, Yasuharu Rachi, Kazuhide Doi
Senior Architects: Satoshi Suzuki, Masafumi Kotani
Former Staff: Nana Yoshikawa, Yuki Shishido, Shusaku Sanemitsu
Structural Design: Takeo Nakata Research Laboratory
Equipment Design: Equipment Planning Co., Ltd
Home Design: Fujimori Taisi Studio
Lighting Design: Izumi Okayasu Lighting Design
Location: Osaki Ueshima, Japan
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