The International Program in Architecture and Urban Design (I-AUD), Architecture and Urbanism Program, Graduate School of Science and Technology, held the three-day International Joint Workshop from May 22 to 24 at Surugadai Campus in collaboration with the School of Architecture at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). This workshop is embedded into the I-AUD design seminar course Advanced Design Studio A, is offered as part of the international practical education program, and held for the fourth time.
A total of 62 students participated in the workshop. There were 22 first-year Master’s students and three faculty members from I-AUD, and 34 undergraduate and graduate students, and three faculty members from UNCC. The students were divided into eight mixed groups and worked on a design proposal for the restaurant area under the elevated railway tracks between Hibiya Station and Yurakucho Station. In the proposal, each group was responsible for eight themes, including food, signboards, and eaves, and a field survey based on the theme was conducted to determine and analyze the spatial characteristics of the restaurant area under the elevated railway tracks.
In the review meeting on the last day of the workshop, after the proposals were presented by each group, there was a lively exchange of opinions together with guest commentators. Although it was a short workshop lasting only three days, all the proposals were made with great drawings and models, showing the results of the solid efforts of each group.
After the workshop, on May 26, TANAKA Tomoaki, a Professor of the School of Science and Technology, gave a lecture to UNCC students on the redevelopment project underway in the central area of Shibuya Station. It was a productive time with many questions from UNCC students.
In addition, on May 29, a special lecture was held by Jeffrey S. Nesbit, an Assistant Professor of the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University and one of the leading teachers of the workshop. This lecture was held as part of the monthly evening lectures open to the public at I-AUD, and as part of the Freshman’s Day program in the academic year of 2025. Participants from both schools deepened exchanges at the reception after the lecture.
In the future, we hope to expand the scope of cooperation by not only planning short-term workshops and PBL programs, but also planning parallel studios to visit each other at the campuses of both universities.