At Kyoto Institute of Technology’s KYOTO Design Lab, we are hosting a series of five consecutive symposiums to commemorate the 10th anniversary of KYOTO Design Lab. Guided by the slogan “Designing Possible Futures,” we delve into discussions about our potential future as an academic hub for the next generation in the fields of urban planning, design, and architecture.

In March 8th, 2024, we celebrated the inauguration of this series with the Fourth symposium, titled “Adaptive Design” held . We are now delighted to share the crux of these discussions.

Toward an Alternative Future: New Systems for the Design, Processing, and Assembly of Wood Materials

In the face of unprecedented social and climate change, the values of modernism are now being called into question. Society’s focus is shifting—from the rapid, mass production of identical goods to the timely distribution of customized products in appropriate quantities. In response to this shift, this symposium explored alternative systems for the design, processing, and assembly of wood materials, leveraging recent advances in digital technologies. Discussions were held from a wide range of perspectives and professional backgrounds.

Lecture

Adaptive Design and Assembly System Utilizing Reclaimed Timbers
Toshikatsu Kiuchi (Associate Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology)

Prof. Kiuchi presented his project, “Adaptive Design & Assembly System,” which explores the architectural potential of reclaimed timbers—a term he uses to describe non-standard wood materials repurposed from sources such as dismantled structures and thinned wood. These materials are typically excluded from commercial distribution and often reduced to wood chips or fuel.
He introduced a comprehensive design system for utilizing these irregular materials, illustrated through practical case studies. This included the use of 3D scanning to capture the unique form of each timber, computational techniques for integrating irregular elements into architectural grids, and structural analysis of joinery systems. Together, these approaches suggest new possibilities for incorporating non-standard wood into contemporary construction.
Prof. Kiuchi also addressed the challenges involved in sourcing and distributing reclaimed timbers. Beyond the physical processes—dismantling, collection, cleaning, drying, storage, and transport—he emphasized the importance of data management. To fully harness the diverse characteristics of reclaimed wood, it is essential to compile both shape data from 3D scans and structural strength data into a unified dataset. He pointed to the potential of machine learning to estimate material strength, paving the way for a more reliable and efficient application of reclaimed timbers in architectural practice.

Gergely Péter Barna (Project Researcher, Kyoto Institute of Technology)

Dr. Gergely Péter Barna noted that the industrial world is gradually shifting from “Industry 4.0”—which emphasized mass customization, intelligent supply chains, and the Internet of Things—toward “Industry 5.0,” a model that places greater emphasis on human-centered approaches.
Introducing traditional carpentry tools, he emphasized the importance of not discarding existing methods, but rather integrating time-honored craftsmanship with digital technologies such as programming and 3D scanning. For this integration to succeed, Barna stressed that such tools must be not only physically and technically accessible to all, but also economically viable.
He concluded by underscoring the importance of organizing tools in ways that allow for flexible combinations, enabling their adaptive use across both traditional and modern practices.

Yo Tomura (Visiting Researcher, Kyoto Institute of Technology)

Alongside Kiuchi and Barna, Tomura shared the future vision of the studio as part of the project team’s educational program. One key innovation he highlighted was the fusion of human hands and digital technology through AR. By enabling the creation of 3D models directly in space via AR, individuals without specialized skills could still conceptualize spatial designs. Additionally, the intuitive manipulation of tools would allow the craftsmanship inherent in manual work to be seamlessly integrated into the digital realm. Looking to the future, Tomura envisioned the development of adaptive system designs that would connect humans with machines, as well as virtual and physical spaces. He concluded by emphasizing that this innovation would greatly enhance and empower creative design.

Use of “Ancient Trees” as Circular Economy Practice
Hiroaki Yamagami (President & CEO, Sansuisha)

Hiroaki Yamagami, president of Sansuisha—a leading company in the restoration of traditional Japanese houses and in the dismantling, collection, distribution, and architectural use of reclaimed timber—explained the company’s initiatives using the key concepts of “circular economy” and “upcycling.” He stated that “human handiwork and the skills of craftsmen are essential for utilizing old wood,” and introduced examples of product development that, while centered on handcraft, actively incorporate digital technologies.
He also noted plans for future collaborative research with Kyoto Institute of Technology, aiming to improve the management of reclaimed wood and enhance the speed and efficiency of 3D scanning, as well as to explore the potential integration of robotic arms with handcrafted processes. He expressed his aspiration to create new value while inheriting history and tradition, and to continue advancing as a leader in realizing a regionally rooted circular society.

Assembly and Fabrication of Double-Curved Panel Structures Using Japanese Wood Joints Created with Desktop 3D Printers
Kei Atsumi (Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Tsukuba / Mitsubishi Jisho Design)

Dr. Kei Atsumi presented the TSUGINOTE TEA HOUSE, a project co-designed by combining 3D printing technology with traditional Japanese woodworking joints. Rather than relying on large-scale printers that require significant capital investment, the project explored how a large structure could be assembled from small modules produced with desktop 3D printers. It also examined how Japanese joinery techniques could be applied to double-curved panel structures.
In total, over 1,000 individual pieces were fabricated using desktop 3D printers. By adapting traditional joinery to accommodate curved panel geometries, the structure was designed to be disassembled and relocated. The use of wood-based filament further emphasized the project’s environmental consideration.
Dr. Atsumi noted that efforts are already underway to apply this system to residential construction. He also shared a long-term vision in which people might transport 3D-printed panels and assemble them anywhere.

Discrete Automation with Timber Building Blocks
Gilles Retsin (Co-founder and CTO / Chief Architect, Automated Architecture Ltd.)

Automated Architecture (AUAR) proposes a construction system using LEGO-like timber building blocks that can be applied to both floors and walls. These blocks are assembled by robots in small-scale, distributed micro-factories. By building a network of such decentralized facilities, AUAR aims to achieve significantly faster construction, lower costs, and greater sustainability compared to conventional timber construction methods.
AUAR provides software for robots and robotic cells to existing builders and expands its business through collaborative technology licensing agreements. Co-founder and CTO Gilles Retsin stated, “Architecture must be something that is accessible to everyone—in other words, it must be something that can be produced in large quantities.” He went on to say, “The key to using robotics and AI is to manage everything from design to construction. While our company is called Automated Architecture, it might as well be called Design to Architecture.”
Looking ahead, he outlined a vision in which robotic cells create housing environments adapted to the characteristics of each region, ultimately contributing to the autonomous formation of cities and communities.

Large-scale Timber Construction: State-of-the-art Digital Design and Digital Fabrication
Ming-Shan Ng (Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology)

Prof. Ming-Shan Ng, whose research focuses on solving complex systems within the built environment and creating human-centered societies, addressed the slow pace of digitalization and low productivity in the architecture industry. She identified fragmentation as a fundamental cause, stressing that the key issue is not just how materials are managed or projects are executed, but how to foster integration and collaboration across different disciplines. As part of this, she introduced project models such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). She introduced project delivery models such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and emphasized that realizing large-scale robotics in the construction industry—where digital transformation continues to lag—requires learning from the automotive and manufacturing sectors. She also highlighted the importance of Lean Six Sigma in driving efficiency and innovation.

Discussion
Adaptive Design

Following the seven presentations, a concluding panel discussion was held, moderated by Prof. Kiuchi. The session offered a multifaceted exchange of ideas, as the speakers reflected on the themes raised in each talk and explored key perspectives necessary for the social implementation of adaptive design. Below is an edited and excerpted selection from the discussion.

Atsumi:
What stood out to me across all the projects presented today was the importance of considering how these ideas translate into business. For instance, when working with reclaimed timber, no two pieces are alike, which makes it extremely difficult to control structural performance or product quality. As we think about scaling this to the market, it becomes crucial to define and manage that quality—how the materials are processed, how they are fabricated. Even if it becomes possible to establish definitions, the question then becomes how to ensure those standards can be maintained within a controllable range when dealing with heterogeneous elements. In that sense, it’s essential to determine the specific actions required to achieve that.

Yamagami:
Yes, I completely agree with the point about the importance of business. What I really wanted to convey today was the question of how we create value. More than just cutting costs, the key is how much value we can generate to raise the unit price of the traditional houses and reclaimed timber we work with as business assets. Listening to everyone’s talks today gave me a range of perspectives on where the industry as a whole might be heading. It was truly enlightening.

Tomura:
What I found particularly interesting as an architect was the discussion around Industry 5.0, as well as customization and flexibility. For example, in Mr. Yamagami’s case, the design process starts from the material itself. In Jill’s case, unit-based design is used and integrated into the local industrial infrastructure. If we look back a bit in time, design used to be handled directly by the builders themselves, like carpenters—and it feels like we may be returning to that kind of situation. I’m also very curious to see how things will evolve in the future.

Barna:
What struck me as important was not simply the use of automation or digital tools, but the creation of new kinds of quality. I believe that by using automation and digital technologies, individuals involved in different roles—whether in design or making—can gain greater freedom beyond conventional boundaries. This isn’t something limited to architecture; it applies to many fields. As Mr. Yamagami also mentioned, I hope we can build new frameworks within society through these approaches.

Ng:
As we’ve seen with projects that fail due to high costs, I believe the viability of a business is absolutely critical. For example, it’s important to consider how the entire supply chain contributes to overall cost, as well as how we collaborate with various stakeholders to bring ideas to life. What I found valuable about today’s symposium was that it brought together people from diverse fields to discuss the future of the architecture industry.

Gilles:
What’s essential when thinking about the industry is that innovators and tech startups must always collaborate. It’s through collaboration that we can truly empower technology. For example, progressing a project from a very early stage while receiving feedback from the tech industry can be highly effective. I believe it’s crucial for contractors, engineers, and architects to move forward together as one team.
My ultimate goal is to create an innovative manufacturing process. At the same time, I want to make full use of what already exists. For a system to scale, it must be both open and compatible. It also needs to be applicable to existing elements already present in the market.

Kiuchi:
The idea that the design system should be open and interoperable with existing systems directly aligns with the very definition of being adaptive. Thank you all for a stimulating discussion today.

Thumbnail image：「Adaptive Design and Assembly System Utilizing Reclaimed Timbers (Toshikatsu Kiuchi、Gergely Peter Barna、Haruka Iwami、Yo Tomura、Seinosuke Kondo、Yasuki Nishimura、2024）(c) Yosuke Ohtake」