2025 World Exposition, Japan RITE Future Forest

At the 2025 Japan International Exposition (Expo Osaka-Kansai), the National Institute of Global Environmental Technology (RITE) will exhibit the demonstration plant "RITE Future Forest", we provided comprehensive production from planning, concept design, architecture, displays design and supervision to operational support.

The facility is engaged in demonstration experiments of future technologies that are expected in the future by combining both DAC (Direct Air Capture)*1, which directly captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and CCS (Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage)*2, which stores carbon dioxide directly from the ground. This project aims to create a new forest in the future, by capturing carbon dioxide emitted by humans with human power.

In the Guidance Building, we also worked on architecture as a demonstration experiment for new technologies, and realized the world's first future wooden construction technology, the CLT*3-fold structure hanging method, based on the concept of the forest of the future. The hang-up method is a conceptual method in which triangular CLT panels that are tightly connected to each other by hinge hardware are laid on a horizontal surface, and a specific part is lifted by a crane to deform it like origami under its own weight to form a folding plate structure.
This time, by using this construction method, it was also an architectural demonstration project to create a large space with expressive structures and promote the spread of CLT structures that have both concept design, functionality, and construction. As a result, an architectural space that exudes a sacred atmosphere that exudes a sense of tightness has emerged, and the CLT folding structure made of domestic cedar itself is a rare building that realizes an acoustic environment like a concert hall that resonates with displays videos and performances.

After the exhibition, there are plans to relocate to the RITE headquarters in Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture in order to use it as a sustainable building.
Through exhibiting at the Expo and subsequent utilization, we addressed various social issues such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions, minimizing waste, and promoting the spread of CLT structures.

*1 Technology to reduce CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere by removing CO₂ from the atmosphere
*2 Technology to collect emitted CO₂ and store it in the ground
*3 Wood-based materials made by layering and bonding the ground boards so that the fiber directions are orthogonal
 

As a first-time exhibitor at an international exposition in a time when society is striving to reduce CO₂ emissions to the utmost, we had to consider the noise generated by the experiment, how to communicate and promote it, and how to allocate time from gathering to dispersal, as the only way to access the venue is by dedicated bus.We also had to consider how to incorporate an opportunity that would appeal to companies and universities conducting similar research.

We were responsible for the overall production and supported the project right up to the opening, discussing everything from verifying the zoning of the site to planning, concept design, construction, and operation. With RITE at the center, we designed the experience for visitors, from children to adults, and organized the whole project so that everyone could take away as much insight as concept design in the limited time they had, including appealing to other companies and universities.