Innovative Online Seminar Uniting Nature and Urban Spaces through Wood Design

Innovative Collaboration in Urban Space Design

In a pioneering initiative, NODA Corporation and Arimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd. will host a special online seminar titled "Connecting Urban Spaces with Japan's History and Natural Beauty: Next-Generation Urban Design through Forest Resources" on August 26, 2026. This event aims to explore the significant role of wood in bridging the gap between architecture, landscape design, and nature, attracting attention from industry professionals and nature enthusiasts alike.

The Event: What to Expect

The seminar will feature leading landscape architects Akihiko Ohno and Shinji Kamijo, who will engage in a cross-talk format discussing how to effectively utilize wood as a material in urban and natural environments. The online seminar will be available to the first 400 registrants, with an additional 30 attendees welcomed to join in person at the NODA headquarters in Taito, Tokyo.

This seminar uniquely combines the expertise of two companies with different specializations: NODA focuses on interior building materials, while Arimoto Kogyo specializes in outdoor timber applications. Together, they aim to foster a dialogue that considers both outdoor and indoor spaces holistically.

A New Perspective on Urban and Natural Integration

The recent trend in urban planning emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that account for not just individual buildings, but entire cityscapes, landscapes, and local resources. This seminar highlights the concept of perceiving architecture and landscape as intertwined fields, fostering a harmonious relationship between urban spaces and nature through wood.

Key topics of discussion will include:

- Effective proposals for incorporating wood into society
- The relationship between forest resources and urban spaces
- Future spatial design considerations from the perspective of landscape architects

This will not be a conventional lecture but rather an interactive discussion focusing on design philosophies and societal implications.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Akihiko Ohno

A registered landscape architect and CEO of SGF Landscape Architects, Akihiko Ohno is also a creative partner at muui design office and an adjunct professor at Nagoya City University. With multiple accolades including the 2024 Japan Landscape Architecture Award, Ohno brings a wealth of knowledge to the seminar.

More about Akihiko Ohno

Shinji Kamijo

A prominent urban designer, landscape architect, and first-class architect, Shinji Kamijo co-directs Kamijo & Fukushima Urban Design Office and serves as an adjunct lecturer at Tohoku University. He has received numerous awards, including the Good Design Award, reflecting his deep engagement in urban landscape design.

More about Shinji Kamijo

Seminar Agenda

Participants can anticipate a warm welcome at 14:50, followed by the cross-talk session between 15:00 and 17:40, where a diverse array of topics will be discussed related to wood, landscape design, urban spaces, and the relationship between architecture and nature.

Who Should Attend?

This seminar is ideal for:

- Architects and designers interested in integrated landscape and architectural proposals
- Professionals seeking to expand their use of wood in spatial design
- Local government officials focused on landscape formation and resource utilization
- Anyone passionate about sustainable urban development through timber use

Registration Information

Participation in the seminar is free, but pre-registration is required by August 24, 2026. To secure your spot, please fill out the registration form on the official site. Participants will receive a link for the online session and access to an archive video post-event.

Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into innovative urban design practices that unite nature and architecture through the versatile material of wood!

For further inquiries, contact:
NODA Corporation
Sales Promotion Division Web Planning Team
E-mail: [email protected]