Kizuki-au 築き合う – Collaborative Constructions

15.9k visit ETH Zurich and University of Tokyo architectural collaboration

A joint architectural project between ETH Zurich and the University of Tokyo, “Kizuki-au 築き合う – Collaborative Constructions”, showcased in Tokoname City as part of the collaborative programs of Aichi Triennale 2022. Approximately 15,900 people visited the art exhibition, Japan’s biggest, during its two-and-a-half-month run.

Academic presentations and cultural roundtables featuring the two project leads, Hannes Mayer of Gramazio Kohler Research, ETH Zurich, and Prof. Yusuke Obuchi, T_ADS Obuchi Lab, the University of Tokyo, were organized around the exhibition. The project attracted industry partners, including IWC Schaffhausen, BWM Japan, Shimizu Corp and Panasonic Holdings.

The opening event was held on Switzerland’s National Day, August 1, in the presence of the Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan, Dr. Andreas Baum.

On August 5, the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. David Braun, hosted a talk event at the Swiss Residence in Tokyo. Guests included industry and academic experts, as well as the Vice President of the University of Tokyo, Professor Naoto Sekimura, who oversaw the strategic partnership between the two universities highlighting the collaboration between Gramazio Kohler Research and T_ADS Obuchi Lab.

The architectural project by Gramazio Kohler Research presented a three-story-high timber frame structure, which revisits carpentry for the age of robotics and makes metal parts, nails, screws and fasteners obsolete. The gate-like design by T_ADS Obuchi Lab featured a series of pottery chains through which mist dampens the surfaces of the pottery and cools down the air.

Collaboration between ETH Zurich and its partners, not only the University of Tokyo but also Shimizu Corp. and others, is set to continue after this highly successful event.