Japan's first 'Dairy Farming × IT' Specialized Training College has opened in Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido. This school is dedicated to dairy farming techniques, the region's main industry, and aims to develop skills for integrating IT with dairy farming through enriched IT education. The design consists of various-sized 'homes,' recognizing that students spend many hours at school in classes, group work, and practical training. These buildings are linked by human-scale passages, creating small relaxing spaces while maintaining a comfortable distance, and providing a homely atmosphere for students.
The campus is open and fenceless, promoting community engagement. It collaborates with local authorities, and its tech labs with large sliding windows double as spaces for community events. This school, which revitalizes through talent development and contributes to the local community, embodies the concept of " a school where buildings and people gather."
Bio Established by the principal architect Atsuyuki Yagi as Atsuyuki Yagi Architectural Design Office, the organization was restructured into Atelier MEME Inc. in 2017. Embracing the theme of "gentle architecture," it explores the role of architecture in contemporary society. In recent years, the firm has focused particularly on educational facilities, working on various projects including universities, specialized schools, and kindergartens.
