Design Philosophy
Ever since the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, the world has been shaped by technology, economics, and information. Architecture, too, has followed this trend, transforming the environment with concrete, steel, and glass. Considered on a global scale, the speed of change over the past three centuries has been extraordinary. Time has passed with little thought as to whether this way forward has in fact been the right way. Why? Because rationality and efficiency have clearly made life easier for many people.
At Atelier Tekuto, Yasuhiro Yamashita and his staff use architecture as a medium for elucidating this situation and examining the questions it raises.
Company Overview
From its founding in 1991 Atelier Tekuto has focused mainly on residential projects. Recently, however, the firm has gained international recognition and expanded into public architecture. In 2004 Atelier Tekuto was awarded first prize in an international design competition for Nakdong Estuary Eco Center, a nature museum in Korea; the building was completed in 2007. The same year the firm also won first prize in England’s ar+d awards, and in 2008 went on to win first prize and grand prix at the International Architecture Awards in Chicago and Russia. More recently Atelier Tekuto designed Ethiopia Millenium Pavilion (completed in 2009), and currently is at work on projects in China and Russia.
Moving forward Atelier Tekuto plans to focus on the following goals:
1. Create public architecture at a variety of sites around the world using local materials and taking into consideration local culture and tradition.
2. Bring the perspective gained from designing over 200 residences to urban planning work in order to revitalize local communities.
3. Based on 15 years’ experience supporting recovery in disaster areas, found a non-profit organization to assist with the development of architectural technology for earthquake-prone regions.
Chemistry Meets Architecture
Earth is the most common building material in the world. Yet as technological and economic development advanced over the 20th and 21st century, the use of concrete and steel has spread, bringing an economics-centered philosophy to the field of architecture. In the process, local character has disappeared. At the same time, environmental problems have worsened. Architects must now take environmental impact into consideration as they develop materials and structures.
In 2008 Atelier Tekuto brought together a team to investigate the potential of earth as a building material that is both environmentally friendly and immune to shifting economic conditions. The team selected magnesium oxide as a natural additive that adds structural strength to earth, carrying out a number of tests on the new material. Magnesite can be mined from both the ocean and land, is present worldwide, and is safe enough to eat. When mixed with water, magnesium oxide undergoes the following chemical reaction:
「MgO＋H2O＝Mg(OH)2」
This reaction binds the particles of earth together, improving strength to the point that the material may even be used in an earthquake-prone country like Japan. After further detailed tests are completed, the team plans to distribute free information about the material worldwide.
In 2011, Atelier Tekuto completed the first residence using earth blocks made from the material, gaining valuable experience and information about its use. The company plans to design churches, art museums, libraries or other public buildings using the earth bricks in the near future.
Yasuhiro Yamashita / Atelier Tekuto
Ever since the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, the world has been shaped by technology, economics, and information. Architecture, too, has followed this trend, transforming the environment with concrete, steel, and glass. Considered on a global scale, the speed of change over the past three centuries has been extraordinary. Time has passed with little thought as to whether this way forward has in fact been the right way. Why? Because rationality and efficiency have clearly made life easier for many people.
At Atelier Tekuto, Yasuhiro Yamashita and his staff use architecture as a medium for elucidating this situation and examining the questions it raises.
Company Overview
From its founding in 1991 Atelier Tekuto has focused mainly on residential projects. Recently, however, the firm has gained international recognition and expanded into public architecture. In 2004 Atelier Tekuto was awarded first prize in an international design competition for Nakdong Estuary Eco Center, a nature museum in Korea; the building was completed in 2007. The same year the firm also won first prize in England’s ar+d awards, and in 2008 went on to win first prize and grand prix at the International Architecture Awards in Chicago and Russia. More recently Atelier Tekuto designed Ethiopia Millenium Pavilion (completed in 2009), and currently is at work on projects in China and Russia.
Moving forward Atelier Tekuto plans to focus on the following goals:
1. Create public architecture at a variety of sites around the world using local materials and taking into consideration local culture and tradition.
2. Bring the perspective gained from designing over 200 residences to urban planning work in order to revitalize local communities.
3. Based on 15 years’ experience supporting recovery in disaster areas, found a non-profit organization to assist with the development of architectural technology for earthquake-prone regions.
Chemistry Meets Architecture
Earth is the most common building material in the world. Yet as technological and economic development advanced over the 20th and 21st century, the use of concrete and steel has spread, bringing an economics-centered philosophy to the field of architecture. In the process, local character has disappeared. At the same time, environmental problems have worsened. Architects must now take environmental impact into consideration as they develop materials and structures.
In 2008 Atelier Tekuto brought together a team to investigate the potential of earth as a building material that is both environmentally friendly and immune to shifting economic conditions. The team selected magnesium oxide as a natural additive that adds structural strength to earth, carrying out a number of tests on the new material. Magnesite can be mined from both the ocean and land, is present worldwide, and is safe enough to eat. When mixed with water, magnesium oxide undergoes the following chemical reaction:
「MgO＋H2O＝Mg(OH)2」
This reaction binds the particles of earth together, improving strength to the point that the material may even be used in an earthquake-prone country like Japan. After further detailed tests are completed, the team plans to distribute free information about the material worldwide.
In 2011, Atelier Tekuto completed the first residence using earth blocks made from the material, gaining valuable experience and information about its use. The company plans to design churches, art museums, libraries or other public buildings using the earth bricks in the near future.
Yasuhiro Yamashita / Atelier Tekuto
Atelier Tekuto Co., Ltd.
4-1-20-B1F, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
150-0001 Tokyo
Phone 03 6439 5540
Fax 03 6439 5541
4-1-20-B1F, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
150-0001 Tokyo
Phone 03 6439 5540
Fax 03 6439 5541
Employees
15 Founded
1991 Specialization
Architectural Design