SUEP. “Harvest In Architecture”

Program Synopsis

Mr. Hirokazu Suemitsu, principal architect of SUEP., will give AIAJ members an exclusive tour of his very popular exhibition “Harvest in Architecture” at the Toto Gallery Ma. This exhibition presents their unique view of sustainability and global environment through recent works and research.

SUEP. is an architect unit working internationally out of offices in Tokyo and Fukuoka. Making the Earth’s environment their primary focus, they have been utilizing simulation technology to study the behavior of natural elements such as wind and heat to develop environmental building designs for a new age where architecture exists symbiotically with nature through cycling energy and resources. 

Language
The visit will be conducted in English. We encourage questions and hope to have interesting discussions.

CES:
2.0 LU/HSW

Venue: TOTO GALLERY·MA

3F, TOTO Nogizaka Bldg., 1-24-3 Minamiaoyama, Minato, Tokyo, Japan 107-0062 (1-minute walk from Exit 3 of Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) TEL: 03-3402-1010

Registration Fee: Free

Organizer: AIA Japan

Description of the exhibition from the Toto Gallery Ma website: 

TOTO GALLERY·MA is pleased to present the exhibition Harvest in Architecture by SUEP. (Hirokazu Suemitsu and Yoko Suemitsu).

What distinguishes SUEP. is the way they view architecture as an instrument for activating ecological processes. By focusing on natural features such as topography, groundwater systems, vegetation, and ecosystems and studying the action of wind, heat, and water with simulations to inform their designs, they have been working to construct buildings that integrate circular resource flows. Through taking a tolerant approach towards nature, they aim to enable people to enjoy the blessings of the Earth while contributing towards realizing a society where this can be done in a sustainable fashion. Additionally, they value the importance of enhancing the livability of buildings not only by improving functional performance but also by sharing with residents, users, and community members the joy of taking part in the circular flows.

The exhibition’s title, Harvest in Architecture, is an expression of the architects’ gratitude for being able to harvest the fruits of the Earth every day and also of their commitment to help ensure that we can continue doing so. The show will feature their research and investigations and shed light on how they have been connecting their findings to their circular building designs.

One could describe SUEP.’s work as a series of attempts to forge a new future by connecting architecture with our planet. What role can architects play in the effort to sustain the rich blessings of the Earth through coexisting with nature rather than exploiting it one-sidedly? The architects will put their ideas and experimentations on full display through this exhibition.

TOTO GALLERY･MA