Learning Architecture to Transform Daily Life
- Graduated from Miyazaki Prefectural Miyazaki Nishi High School／
- Entered the Environmental Design Course, School of Design, Kyushu University in 2024／
Related department, course
- Environmental Design Course (Undergraduate)
The reason why I chose the School of Design
I had always been interested in architecture and design. Since childhood, I have enjoyed working with LEGO and Minecraft and have been good at creating three-dimensional structures. As I considered turning this into a career, I decided to pursue architecture. I chose the School of Design because I felt it offered an environment where I could study architecture not only from a science and engineering perspective, but also through the viewpoints of art, urban design, and landscape. When I visited the Ohashi campus for the first time in my second year of high school and saw the campus buildings designed by Professor Kayama, my decision was firmly set.
My most memorable class
“Environmental Design Project B” stands out particularly. It was my first full-scale design exercise, focused on residential design. Through repeated site visits and the creation of numerous models, I believe I gained the process of designing a single building. The practicing architect who participated as an instructor was a renowned figure involved in the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The time spent receiving direct guidance and attending his lectures was an incredibly valuable experience. I was also amazed that five faculty members and architects provided critiques for a class of only about 30 students.
My student life
Design studios require extensive preparation before presentations, including models and presentation boards. However, it's incredibly rewarding to feel myself grow as I refine my design proposals based on diverse feedback from professors, peers, and sometimes seniors. Beyond design studios, there are classes where we go off campus to study vegetation in green spaces or go on field trips to satoyama forests (traditional rural landscapes), allowing us to engage with real environments and learn broadly about architecture and landscape. During long vacations, I have also participated in overseas workshops hosted by Kyushu University, collaborated on design projects with students from abroad, and traveled to visit famous architectural sites, all of which have been highly inspiring experiences.
Message to prospective students
Studying architecture changes the way you see the city you pass through daily. Every time I return home, I discover something new in familiar places such as my family home, nearby museums, galleries, and parks. I encourage you to visit the Ohashi Campus and experience for yourself the atmosphere of architecture and the School of Design.