Okayama, Japan
Distinguished by the extensive use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels throughout the structure, the Kibi Kogen N Square is a project that highlights Kengo Kuma’s commitment to sustainable design and natural materials.
The facility seamlessly blends work and social spaces, offering a dynamic environment for collaboration and relaxation.
The use of CLT panels not only provides structural strength and durability but also contributes to a warm, inviting atmosphere that fosters creativity and community.
According to the project’s description, the panels are arranged at various angles across the site, emphasizing the “angular misalignment” that forms diverse spaces and openings.
This design fosters a sense of openness, with natural light flooding the facility through ample skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows at both ends of the building.
At night, built-in ceiling fixtures emit a warm glow, illuminating the open interiors and creating a harmonious ambiance with the wooden structures.
Kibi Kogen N Square adopts a unique approach, deviating from the typical CLT-heavy structures that often seem closed-off and dull.
According to KKAA, this building embodies the facility’s theme of openness and collaboration within the local community, highlighted by the involvement of Okayama University in the co-working space.
The design promotes a dynamic environment where activities transcend generational and industry-academia boundaries, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and collaboration.
Project: Kibi Kogen N Square
Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates (KKAA)
Lead Architect: Kengo Kuma
Design Team: Shin Oba, Taiki Monaka, and Kyoko Mase
Photographers: Kawasumi-Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office
