Exciting Summer Workshop for Kids: Create Your Own Store Experience

In a wonderful initiative to engage children in urban and spatial design, Nittetsu Kouwa Real Estate Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the JCD Soda Committee and the Akasaka District Office of Minato City, organized the exciting "Summer Workshop: Create Your Own Store Experience" at the 35th Kouwa Building. Held on August 9th and 10th, this special workshop brought together 22 pairs of elementary school students from Minato City and their parents, along with children of employees working at the company's office building. This workshop marked the inaugural collaboration between a private enterprise and the Japan Commercial Environmental Design Association (JCD) Soda Committee.

What Was the Workshop About?

The primary aim of this workshop was to help children experience the joy of spatial design. Participants began the day with engaging lectures from the JCD Soda Committee on the impact of design and light on spaces. Following this, they received one-on-one guidance from professional designers, allowing them to express their ideal stores through models with expert advice at hand.

On August 9th, a key highlight involved envisioning what it would be like to open a store on Akasaka Ichitsuki Street. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the Akasaka area from officials of the Akasaka District Office and acquired specialized knowledge from JCD representatives, which they incorporated into their creations. A delightful sight throughout the event was both children and their parents immersed in model-making, resulting in a plethora of imaginative works brought to life.

Workshop Highlights

During this hands-on session, various activities took place:

- Lectures on Urban Design: Participants learned about the principles of design and its aesthetic impact on urban spaces.
- Hands-On Sessions: Each family engaged in selecting materials and creating models representing their envisioned stores, showcasing a blend of professional insight and children’s imaginative flair.
- Presentations: At the conclusion of the workshop, participants presented their models, including concepts like a "Luxury Real Estate Sales Center" and a "Town Cake Shop," to an audience of peers and facilitators, enhancing their public speaking skills and confidence.

About KUMA - Kids’ Urban Making Adventure

KUMA, which stands for "Kids' Urban Making Adventure," is an initiative launched by Nittetsu Kouwa Real Estate, rooted in the company's long-standing history in urban development in the Akasaka-Toranomon area. With the goal of providing youngsters with engaging experiences related to urban and spatial design, KUMA aims to foster a sense of attachment and love for their local community. This workshop is just the beginning of KUMA's planned activities for engaging children in creative urban explorations.

The Role of JCD and JCD Soda Committee

Established in 1961, JCD, the Japan Commercial Environmental Design Association, comprises interior designers, architects, lighting designers, graphic designers, and artists committed to advancing the culture of interior design. Their flagship activities include hosting the prestigious Japan Space Design Awards.

JCD Soda Committee focuses specifically on cultivating a design perspective among children, conducting workshops, and providing opportunities for them to engage with design professionals in various educational settings, such as elementary schools and community events.

This summer workshop stands testament to the significant potential of collaboration between organizations in fostering creativity and learning among the younger generation, equipping them with skills that extend beyond mere play to essential aspects of urban life.