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Taira Nishizawa a young, up and coming architect from Japan with a significant pedigree was presented by Shin Egashira. However, as the person that commissioned Nishizawa’s first project a volleyball gymnasium, Toyo Ito offered a more elaborate welcome.

Located in Tomochi, in the Kumamoto prefecture of Japan, the gymnasium was an interesting mix of modern materials (Steel) and traditional Japanese carpentry using Japanese cedar – forestry has a strong influence on the local economy. At first glance, it appears to be a wooden structure within a steel frame but in fact the cedar is a truss system that is structural. Tomochi Forestry Hall

The other projects presented were single unit and multi-dwelling housing schemes.

In all cases site conditions, resources (sunlight, positioning, etc.) and materials (inside and out) were carefully considered and beautifully managed. Keep an eye on Nishizawa.