In March 2024, Rikiakien Yamamoto became the ninth Japanese recipient of the Pritzker Prize, the most prestigious award in the world of architecture. His diverse architectural projects include the Yokosuka Museum of Art and Saitama Prefectural University, but it is the "Future University Hakodate" in Hakodate, Hokkaido, that has attracted the most attention.

About Future University Hakodate

Campus overlooking Mt. Hakodate to the south

Opened in 2000, Future University Hakodate is the only public university in the southern Hokkaido region. It specializes in Systems Information Science and has produced many graduates in fields that are important in today's society, such as artificial intelligence and data science.

The university is located approximately 25 minutes by car from Hakodate Station and 10 minutes north of the Goryokaku area. From the university's elevated location, students can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Hakodate, Mount Hakodate, and the Tsugaru Straits.

Embodying the university's philosophy of "Open Space, Open Mind" in architecture

Studio

The campus, designed by Rikien Yamamoto, is filled with an amazing sense of openness. The most distinctive feature is the "studio," a wide atrium space approximately 20 meters high and 100 meters wide. People in the distance can see what is going on, and the activities taking place here and there naturally blend together, creating a sense that everyone is sharing one space. A staff member at the Future University Hakodate office says, "When high school students visit the campus for the first time, they cheer when they enter this studio. When high school students enter the studio for the first time when they visit the campus, they cheer.

Delta Vista on the 4th floor portion of the studio

In addition, faculty laboratories, lecture rooms, the library, and administrative offices are all made of transparent glass. The underlying idea that led to the design of the campus is "open space, open mind," a spirit that is cherished by Future University Hakodate.

Atelier

Laboratory

Information Library (south side)

Open learning in an open space is not a one-way flow of knowledge, but rather an interactive learning process between students and faculty. The architecture itself is based on the idea that every moment students are on campus is a time for learning and a space for learning. The sketches made at the time of designing the building clearly show this.

Sketch by Riken Yamamoto (courtesy of Riken Yamamoto Design Office)

Open to the public on weekdays.

Mall

By the way, if you would like to visit the university, the general public is welcome to visit the campus and campus grounds on weekdays between 9:00 and 17:00. Hakodate residents can also use the information library. From these points of view, Future University Hakodate Public, designed by Rikiyo Yamamoto, is truly "open space, open mind" itself.

Information library available to Hakodate citizens

The university will continue to open up new possibilities for students as a place for future-oriented education in Hakodate.