On September 19 (Sat.), the “Nagoya University LEGO Club Workshop with Konoike Construction” will be held at Tokai National Higher Education and Research System Common Nexus (ComoNe).
In this workshop, participants will work together to create a large LEGO model reproducing ComoNe.
ComoNe is a co-creation facility designed to bring together students, local residents, children, and people of different generations and backgrounds, with the aim of fostering new ideas and connections through interaction.
Through the hands-on experience of building ComoNe with LEGO, participants will have the opportunity to discover the joy of architecture, design, and making things, while experiencing the idea behind ComoNe: that people come together, connect, and create something together.
Kobori will also give a short talk about the design and development of ComoNe.
Please note that registration has closed as the workshop has reached its capacity.
The completed large-scale LEGO model will be displayed at various local events in the future.
Date September 19, 2026 (Sat.) 15:00–17:00
Venue LOAM HALL, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System Common Nexus (ComoNe)
Organizer Konoike Construction Co., Ltd., Nagoya Branch
https://konoike-260919.peatix.com
Kobori will be speaking at “Lecture Series 2026,” organized by the Toyoda Laboratory at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo.
The lecture series focuses not on the finished works of leading architects, but on what they are interested in, how they see the world, and where their ideas and approaches come from.
For the third session, Kobori will share insights into the sources of his ideas and the perspectives that inform his architectural practice.
Date: October 5, 2026 (Mon.) 18:30–20:30
Venue: HASEKO-KUMA HALL, The University of Tokyo Hongo Campus / Online
For details and registration:
https://www.commonground.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/lecture-series2026
Registration is now open.
A 2-Day Workshop: Measuring Umewaka Noh Theatre and the Former Umewaka Residence
On September 13 and October 31, we will hold a two-day workshop exploring Umewaka Noh Theatre and the Former Umewaka Residence through the act of “measuring.”
Designed by architect Hiroshi Oe, Umewaka Noh Theatre is a remarkable work of modern architecture that brings together modern and traditional Japanese architectural traditions in what Oe described as “coexistence through juxtaposition.”
This workshop invites participants to experience and understand the architecture through their own bodies and actions, rather than simply observing it.
DAY 1
September 13, 10:00–18:00
Lecturers:
Tetsuo Kobori, Architect
Teppei Fujiwara, Architect
The first day focuses on “measurement” as a method of architectural research, conservation, and design. Following lectures by the architects, participants will conduct an on-site measured survey of the Noh theatre in the afternoon.
DAY 2
October 31
Lecturers:
Takayuki Matsuyama, Noh Performer
Saori Hara, Choreographer
On the second day, “measurement” takes on a different meaning. Through the perspectives of Noh and dance, participants will explore how space can be measured through the body and physical movement.
Come and discover Umewaka Noh Theatre through architecture, traditional performing arts, and the body.
Registration is available via Peatix:
https://peatix.com/event/5146964
Organized by: Umewaka Noh Theatre Research Group
Yuka Monoi, Ao Ikami, Leo Tanishige
With the cooperation of:
Takako Fujimoto, Hosei University
Tetsuo Kobori spoke at the symposium “Design Review: Light Emerging from Intersections – Scenery Supporting Ginza Vision 2040,” hosted by the Ginza Urban Design Meeting and Ginza Design Council.
As the architect responsible for the rebuilding project of the new “San-ai Dream Center,” Kobori delivered the keynote lecture. He reviewed the geographical and historical context of the iconic Ginza 4-chome intersection along with the design philosophy of the original building, while presenting his concepts and visions for the new architecture.
The lecture was followed by a panel discussion reviewing the 2025 design consultation cases and exploring the future of Ginza’s urban development.
Highlights of the event can be found on YouTube as below.
Photographer Shin Yamagishi’s exhibition, KAO: Faces of Japan, scene1226–1321, is now being held.
“KAO” is a portrait series that Yamagishi has continued to photograph over many years. This exhibition presents portraits of 96 individuals active across a wide range of fields, including sports, culture, the arts, academia, and business.
Tetsuo Kobori was also photographed for the series, and his portrait is included in the exhibition.
We hope you will take the opportunity to visit.
Exhibition period：July 13–25, 2026
Opening hours：
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Wednesday and Friday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Open until 3:00 p.m. on the final day.
Venue：
Okamura Garden Court Showroom
3rd Floor, New Otani Garden Court
4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Further information：https://www.okamura.co.jp/cor…/special_site/event/kao2026
The TOPCON Founding Building No.2 Renovation Project was featured on page 10 of the June 3, 2026 issue of the Daily Kensetsu Tsushin Shimbun.
The project reimagines a 90-year-old building as a workplace for the next generation while preserving its architectural heritage and original design intent, without interrupting the daily activities of those who work there.
We hope you enjoy reading it.
ARISAWA Innovation Center has been featured in the June 2026 issue of KINDAI KENCHIKU.
Designed to make the most of Joetsu’s climate and natural environment, the project creates a research and development hub that gently connects people, technology, and nature.
We hope you enjoy reading it.
http://www.kindaikenchiku.co.jp/product1/
On July 6, Tetsuo Kobori will speak at the Design Review symposium, “Light Emerging from Intersections: The Landscape Supporting GINZA VISION 2040,” organized by the Ginza Machidukuri Council and the Ginza Design Council.
Ginza has cultivated its distinctive character and urban landscape through a rich network of streets and intersections.
Today, the redevelopment of the San-ai Dream Center at the iconic Ginza 4-chome intersection marks a new chapter in the district’s evolving cityscape.
How do streets and intersections support human activity and interaction?
How might the urban landscape of Ginza continue to evolve in the years ahead?
In the keynote lecture, “Light Emerging from Intersections,” Kobori will reflect on these questions and explore the future of Ginza through the lens of the intersection as a vital urban node, drawing on ongoing projects and recent developments.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Event Information
Date: July 6, 2026, 14:00–16:00
Venue: esports Ginza Studio / Online Streaming Available
Registration & Details: https://www.ginza-machidukuri.jp/event/1548/
We are pleased to share that Loftwork has featured Common Nexus (ComoNe), designed by our office, in its online magazine.
Conceived as a place where knowledge from education and research can be opened to society, ComoNe brings together people from diverse backgrounds to foster dialogue, collaboration, and new ideas.
As architects, we envisioned this building not simply as a container for activities, but as a space where people, knowledge, culture, and inquiry can intersect.
The article explores how ComoNe has been used since its opening, highlighting the activities and exchanges beginning to take shape throughout the building.
We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the evolving life of ComoNe.
https://loftwork.com/jp/finding/common-nexus-tour
How can collaborative hubs within universities become meaningful points of connection with society?
Kobori will be speaking at the session “How an Unfinished Place Opens Academia to Society” on June 24th.
Using ComoNe, Nagoya University’s collaborative hub, as a case study, we will explore what is needed for universities to become more open to society and to create spaces that welcome diverse people and activities.
Together with aesthetician Asa Ito and fellow speakers, we look forward to discussing the potential of collaborative hubs from the perspectives of architecture, research, and management.
We would be delighted to have you join us.
Details & Registration
https://loftworkconference20262a.peatix.com/view
