Untold Proposals for the Future – Nikken Sekkei's Professional Services
Part 1: Nikken Sekkei's DX and the Future of Architecture (Part 2)
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In the world of architecture, what is now possible thanks to DX (digital transformation)?At Nikken Sekkei, we are taking on a variety of challenges by making full use of digital technology. For example, we are creating new forms of expression and services in every context—from geometry engineering to realize complex shapes, to dynamic and innovative facade designs, to the archiving of spatial data and the construction of XR (virtual reality) spaces.
Underpinning Nikken Sekkei’s DX efforts is the Digital Design Lab (DDL) within the Tech Design Group at Design & Technical Department.Established in 2011, the DDL consists of a total of 15 members who conduct independent research and development and collaborate with other departments to create new forms of architectural expression. We spoke with Daisuke Tsunoda Director, who leads the DDL, about the cutting edge of Nikken Sekkei’s DX efforts.
Visualizing invisible information and creating a dynamic facade.
Visualizing previously invisible aspects using data can change people's perceptions and generate new ideas. DDL is tackling data visualization with the aim of achieving these effects.
One example of this data visualization being incorporated into architecture is the kinetic facade of the lower floors of "Shibuya Sakura Stage." This building was designed by Makoto Furuya + NASCA + Nikken Sekkei. The 300-meter-long pink facade, inspired by cherry blossoms, strangely appears to move as you walk through it.
One example of this data visualization being incorporated into architecture is the kinetic facade of the lower floors of "Shibuya Sakura Stage." This building was designed by Makoto Furuya + NASCA + Nikken Sekkei. The 300-meter-long pink facade, inspired by cherry blossoms, strangely appears to move as you walk through it.
Why does it appear to move? The principle behind this is “moiré,” a phenomenon caused by the interference of halftone dots. DDL used computer analysis to understand the mechanism behind moiré and simulated patterns such as those that “appear to rotate” or “resemble waves.” Through this process, they created a façade where moiré occurs exactly as intended.
Another prime example is “i liv” in Ginza, Tokyo, which translates the characteristics of a water’s surface onto the building’s facade. In response to the architectural designer’s request to “create a facade resembling a calm water surface,” DDL analyzed the relationship between the shapes of waves on the water’s surface and wind speed.We then conducted a thorough analysis to determine what shape would best represent a “calm” state. We arrived at a solution that expresses the water’s surface by layering glass to create a topographic surface resembling contour lines on the building’s exterior.
Another prime example is “i liv” in Ginza, Tokyo, which translates the characteristics of a water’s surface onto the building’s facade. In response to the architectural designer’s request to “create a facade resembling a calm water surface,” DDL analyzed the relationship between the shapes of waves on the water’s surface and wind speed.We then conducted a thorough analysis to determine what shape would best represent a “calm” state. We arrived at a solution that expresses the water’s surface by layering glass to create a topographic surface resembling contour lines on the building’s exterior.
By using the technique of reflecting light off the edges of the glass, we created an ever-changing appearance. Computational design using data does not mean that machines automatically produce answers. DDL strives to understand the design intent and create mechanisms and systems that express it.
Reading and analyzing data from the truths hidden within natural phenomena, materializing that data, and creating new expressions in architecture—that is one of the digital transformations that Nikken Sekkei is undertaking.
Reading and analyzing data from the truths hidden within natural phenomena, materializing that data, and creating new expressions in architecture—that is one of the digital transformations that Nikken Sekkei is undertaking.
Archiving spatial information
NIKKEN SEKKEI’s digital technology also played a key role in the temporary structures for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, “Athletes’ Village Plaza.” This project garnered attention for its narrative—returning timber collected from across the country to its regions of origin after the Games. Consequently, it was necessary to accurately document where each component was used within the buildings.To address this, the origin of each component was recorded within the BIM model, which helped ensure accurate transportation following the building’s dismantling. This technology, which contributes to the traceability of building components, is likely to become increasingly important in the future from a sustainability perspective as well.
©Gankosha
Furthermore, point cloud data of the space is collected before demolition, and the entire building is digitally archived. This technology is expected to have future applications in areas such as the preservation and restoration of cultural properties and the archiving of temporary spaces.
At the "Forest of Tranquility" (Landscape Design Director: Yuki Kutsuna, Design: Nikken Sekkei), a 2.3-hectare area located in the heart of the EXPO2025 Kansai/Osaka World Expo site, DDL digitized data on each individual tree to be planted and worked in parallel with the landscape design. They created a tree placement process that can be applied from design to construction and even for reuse.
© Nikken Sekkei
First, information such as tree species and height was recorded for all approximately 1500 trees, including those transplanted from Expo '70's Expo Memorial Park. Then, several design rules were established, such as creating units of three trees of different heights and species to ensure ample shadows on the pavement and to evoke the feeling of a natural forest. DDL simulated the placement of the trees, taking into account these design rules and various conditions, such as ensuring that underground pipes and tree roots do not interfere with each other. This contributed to efficiently designing a natural forest-like environment using a large number of trees—1500 in all, in accordance with the design concept.
Five initial placement rules
An image illustrating solar radiation analysis. The blue areas indicate locations where tall trees should be placed to create shade.
The simulation shows how trees are placed.
We will utilize our accumulated design knowledge in future designs.
Nikken Sekkei, with approximately 2,700 employees, is a large and historically established group of experts on a global scale. We believe that if we can digitize and utilize the knowledge accumulated over 125 years since our founding, new value can be created.
DDL views the experience and know-how cultivated by Nikken Sekkei as big data and has a grand vision of creating a phylogenetic tree diagram of architecture.
If we can digitize prototypes tailored to the function and scale of the building, we can virtually experience that space, improving the accuracy of our evaluations. By changing the prototype according to the given conditions of the project, we might be able to derive more creative, individualized solutions... That's the future I envision. This may still be just a dream, though.
However, digital technology is evolving at a rapid pace. The day when Nikken Sekkei's DX, leveraging its vast design knowledge, transforms the design process may not be far off.
DDL views the experience and know-how cultivated by Nikken Sekkei as big data and has a grand vision of creating a phylogenetic tree diagram of architecture.
If we can digitize prototypes tailored to the function and scale of the building, we can virtually experience that space, improving the accuracy of our evaluations. By changing the prototype according to the given conditions of the project, we might be able to derive more creative, individualized solutions... That's the future I envision. This may still be just a dream, though.
However, digital technology is evolving at a rapid pace. The day when Nikken Sekkei's DX, leveraging its vast design knowledge, transforms the design process may not be far off.
