Sophia University Building 15

Sophia University Yotsuya Campus Building 15 aims to contribute to the achievement of SDGs and the realization of a decarbonized society, and to become a sustainable landmark in the region, with the keyword "turning the city into a forest". It was opened as a base for education and regional exchange.
It is a three-story wooden fireproof structure designed and construction by Sumitomo Forestry, and the main structure uses Kigurumi FR®, an original pure wood fireproof laminated timber made from Tama-produced cedar. The façade, which is covered with a criss-crossed wooden latticework, is concept design that expresses the founding principles of Sophia University: diversity, interaction with others, truth, and tradition. The first floor will be used to operate a cafe that can be used by the general public, and as part of community contribution activities, we plan to provide space that can be used as a disaster prevention warehouse to neighboring neighborhood associations. The second and third floors are also used for classrooms for ``Professional Studies,'' a course for working adults.
Our company was in charge of design, layout, and construction of the third floor, which is used as a classroom for courses for working adults. We aim to create a space that is a place to gather, learn, and talk about nurturing wisdom, and we also connect stories from architecture to the materials that make up the space, using Nishikawa wood from Hanno, which built the town of Edo together with materials from Tama. concept design utilizes Japanese cedar and cypress.

・A facility that can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and the realization of a decarbonized society, leading to “turning the city into a forest”, as a local sustainable landmark, and as a base for adult education and community exchange. and contribute to the creation of vibrant cities
・Proposal of a space that fits well with Sophia University's founding philosophy and the concept and concept design taste of Sumitomo Forestry's wooden architecture
・In particular, the 3rd floor should not only be used for lectures, but also have a salon-like function where people can have conversations while relaxing.
The above requests were received from Sumitomo Forestry.

In addition to further enhancing the value as a landmark with a space that has a strong presence that echoes the exterior, it is precisely because of the changing ways of communication that we are now creating a space where people can “spend precious time” as a “place where people can gather in real life.” We proposed a place that could be used as a comfortable space for deepening discussions and exchanges, or as a small work space while waiting. Rather than having a uniform format of podium and table, we have adopted a “debate” format in which benches and tables are arranged to surround a podium for frank and lively dialogue.
In addition, in accordance with the facility's philosophy of contributing to the SDGs in the international community and valuing the connection with the community and society, the materials that make up the space are environmentally friendly materials and are traceable. By actively using wood (Nishikawa wood) from nearby production areas, concept design is designed to fix carbon and deepen interest in the diverse "charms of wood" through the space.