Takatsuki Arts Theatre has been selected for the 2025 Architectural Institute of Japan Award (Project Category).

 Takatsuki Arts Theatre, designed by our firm, has been selected for the 2025 Architectural Institute of Japan Award (Project Category). We consider this a great honor. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone involved, and we will continue to strive to create even more compelling projects in the future.

<Award Recipient's Name>
Toshifumi Ezoe,Takimo,Takayoshi Takahata

<Judges' Comments>

Architecture aims to create exceptional spaces by integrating various technologies. Furthermore, in the case of public facilities, it is expected to contribute to the broader creation of a better society and environment—while embracing the spirit of the times—rather than being confined by the specific needs of the client or the particular conditions of the project.Based on these premises, “Takatsuki Arts Theatre” achieves a high level of architectural integration across design, planning, environment, materials, and structure. Furthermore, it can be evaluated as an outstanding work that has undertaken new experiments and challenges worthy of an academic award. The key points are outlined below.

First, it is a widely accessible public building. By slightly raising the first-floor level, making the basement level easily accessible, and carefully designing the cross-sectional composition, the overall height of the structure was kept low.Furthermore, by segmenting the volume and scattering boxes of various sizes throughout the complex alongside an inner courtyard, the design not only eliminates any sense of intimidation but also integrates with the park, featuring entrances and exits throughout the site. Moreover, most spaces—including the foyer, studios, and café—are enclosed in glass, creating a sense of transparency.The small hall also features openings on both sides that bring in the natural surroundings. Even when no performances are taking place, the space remains open and accessible; people can pass through it during regular hours, and nearby residents, children, and students from the two adjacent schools often stop by.

Second, under the concept of “Takatsuki no Mori” (Takatsuki Forest), the design makes a thorough effort to utilize wood.While this is a trend in recent years, the project pursued possibilities beyond that. Specifically, after confirming the annual timber production volume with the Osaka Prefecture Forestry Cooperative, the team decided to use approximately 350 cubic meters. When cutting the logs, they managed the process using BIM, taking into account the characteristics of each section and allocating the wood to the exterior, interior, and small hall.Regarding the wooden louvers, the exterior panels were impregnated with liquid glass and arranged to create random undulations, producing subtle variations in shadow; in the foyer, they were arranged in an orderly manner to evoke the latticework of a castle town, giving the structure a variety of expressions.In the main hall in particular, solid-core timber was used to cover the space from wall to ceiling with 27,000 wooden cubes arranged like pixels, creating a distinctive and rich acoustic environment. Wood is also used for signage and fixtures.

Third, the design and details are supported by sound engineering, though they are never overly assertive. For example, the entrance at the outer corner of the main roof, the column-free space in the foyer created by cantilevered truss beams, and the slender columns all contribute to a sense of openness that connects the building to the park.Furthermore, the wooden louvers and wooden cubes in the large and small halls were designed and constructed through a series of studies involving acoustic simulations, test specimens, and mockups.

For these reasons, we hereby present the Architectural Institute of Japan Award to this project.