Toshima Ecomusee Town (Toshima Ward Office)
This modernist complex accommodates the offices of the Toshima’s government. The design of the building resembles a giant tree since the concept of the entire building is ecological life. There are solar panels, greening panels, and recycled wooden louvers covering the building. The whole covering is called Eco Veil. The building also has a vertically-extended garden. It aims to revive the town’s vegetation to reconnect its people with nature. It was completed in 2015.
W&A Dundee
W&A Dundee is the new building for the United Kingdom’s Victoria & Albert Museum located in Dundee, Scotland. It is the first design museum in Scotland and it aims to function as a base for promoting Scottish culture. The design of the building reflects the landscape of Scotland. For example, the cliffs of Orkney Island influenced the layers of long slabs of concrete on the facade of the building. Kengo Kuma and Associates opened a cave through the center of the building to connect the nature of River Tay with Union Street. Concerts and performances are held in the building for the whole community of Dundee. It was completed in 2018.
Daiwa Ubiquitous Computing Research Building
Daiwa Ubiquitous Computing Research Building is a part of the University of Tokyo. The facade of the building is covered with thin strips of cedar, creating a contrast with the high-tech subjects studied inside the building. It was completed in 2014.
