Organised as part of Open House Osaka 2026 and the public programme of the Swiss Architecture Yearbook 2025/26 exhibition, this panel brings together experts and perspectives from Switzerland and Japan to explore how innovation is shaping architecture and the wider built environment.
Looking notably at society, technology, and sustainability, the discussion will explore the question: What does it mean to meaningfully innovate for the built environment of tomorrow?
The event will open with remarks by Dr. Shinya Hashizume, Chair of the Open House Osaka Executive Committee.
Speakers
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Bio
Prof. Dr. Matthias Vollmer
Specially Appointed Project Associate Professor, Kyoto Institute of TechnologyMatthias Vollmer is an architect, filmmaker and researcher working at the intersection of spatial media, technology and the built environment. He teaches at ETH Zurich and is Project Associate Professor at Kyoto Institute of Technology. His work uses 3D scanning, film and XR to explore and communicate transformations of architecture, landscapes and cities.
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Bio
Prof. Dr. Tomohiro Fukuda
Professor, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of OsakaTomohiro Fukuda is a Professor at The University of Osaka, Japan. His research lies at the intersection of architecture, urban informatics, computer vision, and spatial computing, focusing on digitalizing and understanding the built environment through AI, XR, BIM, digital twins, 3D vision, and simulation. He is a former President of CAADRIA and a CAADRIA Fellow since 2019. He has published over 300 papers and contributed to 20+ books.
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Bio
Prof. Dr. Toshikatsu Kiuchi
Project Associate Professor, Kyoto Institute of TechnologyToshikatsu Kiuchi is a Project Associate Professor at the Kyoto Institute of Technology and Co-Representative of [ ]_bracket Inc. His works bridge experimentation and practice, pursuing integration of novel digital technologies, material knowledge, and craftsmanship. Major works include Adaptive Design & Assembly System Utilizing Reclaimed Timbers (SD Review 2024, Kajima Prize). He has participated in the Japan Pavilion exhibitions at the 17th and 19th Venice Architecture Biennale.
Program
- 5:30pm – Doors open
- 6:00pm – Welcome
- 6:05pm – Opening remarks by Dr. Shinya Hashizume, Chair of the Open House Osaka Executive Committee
- 6:10pm – Panel discussion
- 7:00pm – Audience Q&A
- 7:15pm – Networking
- 8:00pm – End of event
iCal / Outlook
Event start time
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Japan
6:00PM
Full Program
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Opening Event of Swissnex Window #14: Swiss Architecture Yearbook 2025/26
October 2, 2026Join us for the opening of the Swiss Architecture Yearbook (SAY) 2025/26 exhibition, bringing together perspectives from Switzerland and Japan on how architectural practice is evolving in response to a changing world.
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Swissnex Window #14: Swiss Architecture Yearbook 2025/26
October 2, 2026 — October 29, 2026Discover contemporary Swiss architecture through 34 selected projects from the Swiss Architecture Yearbook 2025/2026, exploring how architecture responds to changing environmental, social and spatial challenges.
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Shaping the Built Environment of Tomorrow
October 22, 2026How can innovation shape the built environment of tomorrow? As part of Open House Osaka 2026 and the Swiss Architecture Yearbook 2025/26 exhibition, experts from Switzerland and Japan come together to explore new approaches to architecture through the lenses of society, technology, and sustainability. Join the discussion and discover how innovation can contribute to more meaningful and future-oriented built environments.
