Over the past 100 years, the temperature in Tokyo, Japan, has risen by approximately 3 degrees Celsius due to climate change. As a result, Japan has been developing new technologies and innovations to help mitigate the impacts of global warming and reduce temperatures.

Mr. Tomohiko Yamanashi, a renowned architectural design expert from Japan, is one of the architects involved in researching and designing architectural solutions to help lower temperatures in Japan. Mr. Yamanashi noted that the issue of global warming has rendered traditional design norms ineffective. It is widely acknowledged that the construction of large buildings for economic purposes has a detrimental impact on the environment, leading to a trend towards environmentally friendly construction and landscape design to mitigate these effects. This has prompted a reevaluation of how architecture can benefit both people and the environment.

Thus, BREAKING THE NORM is not just about energy-efficient architecture; it must also lead to a reduction in global warming, shifting from mere efficiency to effectiveness in various ways, allowing for more accurate repairs of the NORM.

The development of the 'BIOSKIN' technology is one such design approach aimed at creating a cooling system for buildings. It cools the surrounding air by utilizing the heat from the evaporation of rainwater, which circulates and accumulates in ceramic pipes, effectively reducing the load on air conditioning systems. This design is environmentally friendly while maintaining aesthetic appeal, prioritizing the needs of society.

In terms of design, Mr. Yamanashi emphasizes three key aspects: first, considering the client, as architects are requested by clients; second, thinking about the company Nikken Sekkei; however, the work we create must exist within society, so architects must also consider societal impacts. The most important aspect is creating new meanings while solving societal problems.

The 'BIOSKIN' technology is not a new technique but rather an evolution of the Japanese tradition of 'Uchimizu', which involves splashing water on the streets. This has been developed into the 'BIOSKIN' technology, where the surrounding air cools using the heat from the evaporation of rainwater circulating in ceramic pipes that resemble shutters on the building's exterior (which also serve as balcony railings). This aligns with Tokyo's urban planning laws, which require large buildings to have rainwater storage to alleviate drainage issues during the rainy season and to utilize solar pumps to transfer water from the building to drainage systems on sunny days.

As a result, the 'BIOSKIN' system effectively utilizes rainwater within buildings to reduce the load on air conditioning systems and lower external temperatures, making it an ideal model for Tokyo.

The 'BIOSKIN' system aims to reverse the temperature increase observed over the past century without using any energy. Computer simulations have shown that the 'BIOSKIN' cooling system can reduce external temperatures by approximately 2 degrees Celsius. We also tested a 1-meter-long pipe filled with water, and even in a shaded area, the surface temperature was 6 degrees Celsius, with the temperature on the balcony dropping by about 2 degrees Celsius.

Currently, the Japanese government is interested in this technology and is providing support in collaboration with the private sector. There are plans to expand the 'BIOSKIN' system in the NBF OSAKI BUILDING, with a total budget of around 20 million yen from various partners. TOTO Ltd. has contributed to the development of the 'BIOSKIN' system by creating specially designed ceramic pipes. This collaboration is part of TOTO's mission to raise awareness about global warming and promote environmental responsibility.

Furthermore, the 'BIOSKIN' system has been patented as knowledge, allowing interested parties to innovate and build upon this technology. Mr. Yamanashi continues to assess the impacts of urban heat islands and aims to reduce carbon footprints by 2030. New technologies are being developed to combat global warming, such as Envi-lope 01, which builds on the original 'BIOSKIN' technology by using reflective metals to soften light and cool buildings, with ongoing developments expected.

Mr. Takayasu Shimada, President of TOTO (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that TOTO believes the value and diversity of architectural works will play an increasingly important role in the future. The company aims to serve as a bridge to share and exchange culture and ideas between architects in Thailand and Japan, as well as the role of architects in society.

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Additional Information

Mr. Tomohiko Yamanashi has received numerous awards, including the MIPIM Asia’s Special Jury Award for Mokuzai Kaikan (2009), AIJ prizes for NBF Osaki Building (2014) and Toho Gakuen School of Music (2019), the JIA Grand Prix for HOKI Museum (2011), and the CTBUH Innovation Award for NBF Osaki Building (2014).

Works by Mr. Tomohiko Yamanashi

JIMBOCHO THEATER

Tokyo, Japan, 2007

THE ACTOR AS THE CANVAS

This project consists of a 100-seat cinema and a 126-seat theater, along with a 300 sqm rehearsal stage for an art school, all within an area of approximately 300 sqm, surrounded by narrow streets. A diaphragm made of steel helps prevent earthquake vibrations, positioned in line with height control planes, allowing the structure to be lightweight and maximizing column-free space for seating. Additionally, there is external thermal insulation, and the gaps between black panels help dissipate heat, with rainwater drainage channels. The simple details and carefully designed materials reflect the essence of 'the actor as the canvas' and rejuvenate the area.

MOKUZAI KAIKAN

Tokyo, Japan, 2009

NEW FRONTIERS FOR TIMBER

This architecture opens new opportunities for timber construction, enhancing the timber trade association's office as a significant place showcasing the allure of wood. It promotes the use of timber in urban construction and encourages domestic timber use (in a stagnant market) by exploring regulations, construction methods, and the feasibility of traditional Japanese joinery without glue. The project utilizes wood as both structural and exterior materials, combining natural materials, traditional joinery, and digital technology to reduce costs and carbon emissions. The use of traditional joinery is favored for its ability to withstand compression, tension, and bending, though it is complex and challenging to execute, leading to its decline in modern use.

HOKI MUSEUM

Chiba, Japan, 2010

DEFYING GRAVITY

This project represents Japan's first museum dedicated to displaying virtual paintings. The design integrates the external and internal environments, creating exhibition spaces suitable for viewing detailed paintings within the museum, which are part of the owner's collection. The project is constructed from elegantly curved pipes layered with others, combined with a 30-meter-long cantilever beam that captures the attention of onlookers.

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TOTO (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bathroom products and equipment in Japan, with a history spanning over 100 years. The company is known for its popular WASHLET automatic toilet seat, with over 60 million units sold worldwide.