Public Lectures

Lecturer:

Maito Takagi
(Associate Professor Faculty of Architecture & Arts Otemae University)

Reading the memories residing in a place: Architecture and urban development in the age of AI

At the heart of my research and practice lies the theme of "memory and place." I believe that the value of a space is deepened not only by its form and function, but also by the activities of people and the accumulation of time. In this lecture, I will explore how to find, nurture, and connect to society spaces that hold memories, focusing on my research in Shukugawa Green Town and the implementation of street signs in Kobe, while also touching upon building material product development and AI-driven educational and Architecture practices.

Lecturer:

Shihori Murakami
(Section Chief, Kobe City Historical Archives; Specially Associate Professor, Osaka Metropolitan University)

Deciphering the urban history of modern and contemporary Kobe from historical records.

The rapid social changes in modern and contemporary Japan have dramatically altered the appearance of cities. For example, looking at the port city of Kobe, since its opening as a port in 1868 and its incorporation as a city in 1889, it has experienced numerous crises and reconstructions due to disasters and wars while developing its port and hinterland. To understand cities and Architecture, records left by designers, builders, and clients are invaluable clues. In Kobe, the Kobe City Historical Archives opened in June 2026. Let's consider the history of Kobe through the records such as official documents and photographs held by the archives.

Lecturer:

Hiroaki Ishii
(Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kobe University)

The future of urban green spaces: Creating cities that nurture shade and wildlife

As global warming progresses and summers get hotter year after year, trees provide us with shade and mitigate the urban heat island effect by dissipating heat through transpiration. If trees decline due to global warming, their important environmental regulating function will be lost. How should we maintain and manage urban green spaces (green infrastructure) in preparation for future climate change? This lecture will introduce the conservation and management of trees and forests based on scientific knowledge and consider the future of urban green spaces.

Lecturer:

Kyoko Takagi
(Professor, Faculty of Architecture & Arts Otemae University)

Things that change and things that remain the same over time: Reflections from Architecture planning.

Continuing to use buildings is a widely demanded practice, including as a measure against global warming. The value of Architecture at the time of its planning evolves over a long period of time, leading to diverse values based on its use, materials, lifestyle, and customs. Rather than remaining unchanged until the end of its lifespan, we hope that by consciously adapting to what changes and what remains constant, buildings will evolve into Architecture that are loved for a longer period of time. This exhibition introduces the records, memories, and design innovations of such buildings using specific design examples and photographs.