The ‘International Architecture Education Hub (SEKISUI HOUSE – KUMA LAB)’, a research and educational initiative led by renowned architect Kengo Kuma and Sekisui House, will be featured at ‘Tokyo Creative Salon 2025’ (TCS 2025), set to take place across 10 locations in Tokyo starting Thursday, March 13.
Founded in June 2020 with support from Sekisui House, the ‘International Architecture Education Hub’ is a platform dedicated to exploring the future of housing. Led by Kengo Kuma, Special Professor at the University of Tokyo, the hub focuses on nurturing next-generation talent in architecture and design. Its mission aligns with Sekisui House’s global vision of making “our homes the happiest places in the world.”
The exhibition at Tokyo Creative Salon 2025 will highlight the lab’s ‘Digital Fabrication Center’, one of its core initiatives, as part of a broader celebration of creativity during Tokyo’s fashion and design week. The exhibit will be hosted at Harajuku Tokyu Plaza, specifically at Harappa on the fourth floor. It will showcase the journey of SEKISUI HOUSE – KUMA LAB since its inception and explore the theme “EXCESS: What Can Architecture Do with AI in the Age of Excess?”
In this thought-provoking exhibition, the “excessive age”—a time when materials and information are overflowing—will be explored. Students from the lab, guided by Toshiki Hirano, Special Lecturer, have worked on the theme “The Garden of Excess” over the past three years. These students, hailing from both Japan and abroad, have used the latest generative AI technology to create works that represent their individual identities. Visitors will have the chance to experience these innovative and thought-provoking pieces.
Additionally, on Saturday, March 15, at 14:00, a talk session will be held featuring Shuta Hasunuma, a musician, as a guest. The session will include the navigator of J-WAVE’s program ‘GRAND MARQUEE’ and Toshiki Hirano, Special Lecturer at the University of Tokyo, along with two other participants. They will discuss the relationship between AI and creativity, as well as the future of architecture.
Comment from Kengo Kuma, Special Professor at the University of Tokyo
I believe that initiatives like this have the potential to shape a new generation of architects. It’s not just about constructing buildings anymore—this could give rise to architects who specialize in creating compelling visuals or those who focus purely on managing and operating projects without physically building them. As society increasingly requires diverse types of architects, this studio serves as a nurturing ground for those pushing the boundaries of the profession. My hope is that those who emerge from this space will redefine the role of architects, moving beyond traditional limits to take on innovative and groundbreaking work. I think this is precisely the kind of evolution that “SEKISUI HOUSE – KUMA LAB” is meant to inspire.
KUMA LAB × Sekisui House ‘EXCESS’ – What Can Architecture and AI Achieve in the Age of Excess?
Exhibition Overview
Dates: March 13 (Thursday) – March 23 (Sunday), 2025
Location: Harajuku Tokyu Plaza “Harakado” 4th floor, Harappa
Admission: Free
Details URL: https://www.sekisuihouse.co.jp/kumalab_excess/
J-WAVE Collaborative Talk Event:
A talk session will be held with Shuta Hasunuma, a musician, as a guest. The session will also feature the GRAND MARQUEE navigator and Toshiki Hirano, Special Lecturer at the University of Tokyo, discussing the relationship between AI and creativity, as well as the future of architecture.
Event Date and Time: Saturday, March 15, at 14:00
Event Location: Harajuku Tokyu Plaza “Harakado” 4th floor
Event attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis (with ticket distribution).
Tokyo Creative Salon
Held every March in Tokyo, the Tokyo Creative Salon is an annual celebration of creativity set against the backdrop of cherry blossoms. It brings together diverse fields such as fashion, design, crafts, sustainability, and more, showcasing the魅力 (魅力: appeal or charm) of Japanese creativity to the world. The mission of TCS is to connect Japan’s creative energy with a better world. By showcasing the craftsmanship of traditional techniques, new technologies (digital and sustainability), and innovative ideas that offer new perspectives on daily life, the event aims to enhance Tokyo and Japan’s value as a global city.
‘International Architecture Education Hub (SEKISUI HOUSE – KUMA LAB)’
The ‘International Architecture Education Hub (SEKISUI HOUSE – KUMA LAB)’ was established as a collaborative research platform between The University of Tokyo and Sekisui House, a company driven by the global vision of making “our homes the happiest places in the world.” It focuses on researching and developing cutting-edge digital technologies in architecture while fostering international talent. The lab’s work revolves around the theme of “the future of housing”.
The ‘International Architecture Education Hub (SEKISUI HOUSE – KUMA LAB)’ runs three primary activities:
- International Design Studio
The International Design Studio is led by world-renowned architects invited to teach and mentor students. Through joint studios with international universities, the lab works to establish The University of Tokyo as a global hub for architectural education. The aim is to foster international talent capable of making significant contributions to the field. - Digital Fabrication Center
At the Digital Fabrication Center, the lab explores how architecture created with digital fabrication techniques can enhance the human experience and contribute to richer lives. The center also focuses on nurturing highly skilled professionals in digital technology within the field of architecture. - Digital Archive Center
The Digital Archive Center focuses on the research and practice of architectural archiving. The center works on digitizing important architectural plans, models, and materials, creating an archive platform that is accessible to researchers worldwide. This effort contributes to building an international network for architectural history research and education.
