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
Dr. Matthias Vollmer
Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology and ETH ZurichDr. Matthias Vollmer is an architect and researcher working at the intersection of architecture, landscape and digital technologies. He studied film at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) before completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture at ETH Zurich. His research explores architecture and landscape through visual and spatial media, including laser scanning, film and photography. He is co-founder and co-director of SCANVISION, an ETH spin-off specializing in 3D measurement and visualization, and co-founder of the architecture office Atelier Schweizer Vollmer. Matthias Vollmer is also a Specially Appointed Associate Professor in Landscape at Kyoto Institute of Technology, where his research explores the relationship between landscape and architecture through digital design methods, with a focus on urban transformation, climate adaptation, resilience and sustainability.
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Bio
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.
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.
