1. History of Modern French Architecture

During my master’s and doctorate courses, I studied the modern architectural history of France between 1920s and 1930s. I particularly focused on the works of Robert Mallet-Stevens (1886–1945), who represented modern architecture. I wrote several academic papers (see List of works) and a doctoral thesis, ‘A Study on the architectural concept and the design methods of Robert MALLET-STEVENS’. I wrote this thesis under the guidance of Mr. Katsuhiro Kobayashi, at Tokyo Metropolitan University on 18 July 2002.

In 2014, under the editorial supervision of Dr. Shoichiro Senddai, Associate Professor at the University of Hiroshima, I translated the French text of the catalogue of the exhibition on Pierre Chareau, a representative of modern architecture in France and one of the contemporaries of Mallet-Stevens.

 

2. Architectural Design Practice

As a student, I participated in several competitions, both individually and as a member of a team directed by Professor Katsuhiro Kobayashi in the Department of Architecture and Building Science at Tokyo Metropolitan University. I received three prizes (see List of Works).

I have prioritized research over participation in architecture competitions. However, I am willing to be a consultant for students. In 2008, I directed a group of students competing in an architecture competition involving the design of a condominium organised by Suyama construction (Shizuoka Prefecture). They received the first and second prizes in this competition.

 

3. History of Architecture and Design of Nagoya

Ever since I moved to Nagoya from my hometown, Tokyo, in September 2006, I have enjoyed exploring the distinctive culture and indigenous food of this region. I aim to research the specific architecture and design native to this region.

Following is the list of my undergraduate and relevant theses. The themes strongly relate to Nagoya and its neighbouring areas.

- The evolution of the facade design of the oldest Catholic Church in Aichi Prefecture, Chikara-machi Kyokai, 2007.

- The tile decoration in public baths in Aichi prefecture, 2008.

- A study on the modern architect Eiji Niwa’s three important works and the Art-Deco style, 2009.

-A filed research on the deserted commercial streets near all the subway stations in Nagoya, 2014

 

 

 

1. Architectural Rehabilitation of Social Housing Estates in France

As a researcher at the 4-Met Center, the Department of Architecture and Building Science at the Tokyo Metropolitan University, I worked on the project proposals for the comprehensive improvement models aiming to add value to public apartment complexes that were established during Japan’s high-growth era. In this project, I was in charge of the research on the rehabilitation of social housing estates in France. I conducted research in France between June 2004 and 2005. Examples of my work include le quartier Val Fourré de Mantes-la-Jolie, la Cité Michelet dans le 19e de Paris, le quartier des Pyramides à Evry, l'Unité d'habitation à Firminy-Vert and le quartier de la Darnaise et La Duchère à Lyon (I really thank everyone in France for their cooperation!). The results of this research were published in the book, Seiichi Fukao, Kozo Kadowaki and Junko Abe-Kudo, Housing Activation in French and Japanese contexts, 4-Met Center, Tokyo Metropolitan University, November 2007 (English–Japanese version, 500 copies not for sale).

 

In France, a key idea in the recent architectural rehabilitation is ‘résidentialisation’. I will continue researching the effectiveness of this idea. I have also been studying ‘éco-quartier’ and the rehabilitation of housing estates in France since 2012.

 I am also interested in the problems of vacant housing and Condominium Management in France.

I would like to introduce the French experience of construction and planning to Japan for prolonged occupation of housing estates and condominiums in the country.

 

2. Space for the Families of Children in a Paediatric ward

My experience revealed that adequate space for the families of children in a paediatric ward is indispensable. Everyone knows that the presence of mother is crucial for small children. However, when they are sick, is it normal for them to stay alone in hospital? Staying in hospital for long is a difficult experience for all, especially small children. It is important that their mothers stay relaxed and comfortable beside them and support them. We should make hospital’s environment more human-friendly, without indicating to the visitors that this is a ‘repair factory’ for human beings.