Architectural Review Praises NS's Mokuzai Kaikan Building in Tokyo

January 2010 (Tokyo, Japan) — In its January 2010 issue, Architectural Review featured a cover story on the Nikken Sekkei designed Mokuzai Kaikan building in Tokyo — a structure which deploys timber on a large scale.

Noting that in Tokyo the use of “timber is relatively rare, especially on large-scale commercial or institutional buildings,” the magazine described Nikken’s building as exemplary, “fittingly built for the nation’s Association of Wood Wholesalers.” According to the magazine: “The purpose of the project was to relocate the association in Tokyo, in order to better display the various possibilities of wood in the hope of reviving its popularity as an urban construction material.”

The article mentions the “revolutionary timber technology,” specifically citing the use of computer numerical controlled (CDC) cutting for “achieving a high degree of accuracy” on the building’s complicated abstract designs.

Nikken’s integration of the traditional Japanese architectural principle of engawa is also described, observing that this “allows a breeze to enter the shelter while shutting out strong sunlight, achieving a comfortable indoor environment in the midst of harsh heat and electricity.”

In addition, the magazine explains safety challenges that Nikken overcame to complete the building, with references to Japan’s strict earthquake regulations and how potential issues relating to dangers from fire and smoke were handled.