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Kume Sekkei Wins Nine Good Design Awards in 2025

Kume Sekkei, based in Koto, Tokyo, has made headlines by securing an impressive nine awards at the 2025 Good Design Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights their commitment to excellence in architectural design, emphasizing the importance of community and environmental integration in their projects. The award-winning structures include a varied array of buildings: the Polar Aoyama Building, Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka, Connect Square Hakata, Tanaka Precious Metals Building, Matsumoto City Museum, Asahikawa City Hall, Kawasaki City Hall, Komaki Minami Elementary School, and the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama Vehicle Development and Visitor Center.

Award-Winning Projects Overview

1. Polar Aoyama Building
The redesign of this office building has received accolades for its elegantly composed spaces. The integration of a nursery for local residents and curated art installations, coupled with the relocation of the historically significant Tsuchiura Kame Castle residence to a public area on-site were standout elements. This project is a pioneering effort in preserving modernist architecture, setting a precedent for future endeavors.

2. Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka
Celebrated for its vibrant and playful hotel design, Caption by Hyatt embodies the lively essence of Osaka's Namba district. It beautifully merges the excitement of travel with sophisticated aesthetics, presenting a luxury experience that doesn't conform to traditional western hotel standards. This establishment offers a refreshing take on hospitality in Japan, encouraging diversity and exploration among guests.

3. Connect Square Hakata
Situated near Hakata station, this office building features a stunning façade that combines convex aluminum panels and curtain walls, creating dynamic shadows that change throughout the day. Its innovative open plaza enhances urban connectivity, inviting foot traffic and engagement between the building and the street.

4. Tanaka Precious Metals Building
With a clear theme of connecting ‘community,’ ‘people,’ and ‘future,’ this headquarters showcases a communal spirit. Built to facilitate local festivities with a display for traditional portable shrines, its central atrium creates a symbolic space for collaboration and interaction, encapsulating both modern sustainability and corporate heritage.

5. Matsumoto City Museum
The museum's design integrates the historical atmosphere of Matsumoto Castle while providing a hub for citizen activity. Not only does the entrance space invite public engagement, but the use of the plot’s depth enhances community interaction and contributes to the identity of Matsumoto City.

6. Asahikawa City Hall
This city hall project reflects a quest for defining community identity, balancing the needs of a growing population with thoughtful design. Engaging both citizens and designers in a collaborative dialogue, it stands as a model for future municipal projects across Japan.

7. Kawasaki City Hall
This project merges the old with the new by restoring the beloved former city hall and constructing a stunning modern addition. Its atrium facilitates a dynamic interaction space that doubles as a disaster response center, blending purpose with community aesthetic.

8. Komaki Minami Elementary School
Designed with student engagement at its core, this school features an airy, transparent library space open to natural light, promoting interaction among students. The balance of safety and accessibility is evident in the architecture, which is a product of thoughtful design deliberation.

9. Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama
This facility aligns beautifully with the philosophy of the Lexus and GR brands, showcasing a refined use of materials and spaces that resonate with their high-quality image. The local timber incorporated into its design reflects both community ties and sustainable practices.

About the Good Design Award

Starting in 1957, the Good Design Award serves as a symbol of excellence in design, striving to elevate quality of life through innovative solutions to social challenges. This yearly celebration of design encourages a wide range of participants from industries around the globe, culminating in the distribution of the esteemed G-Mark, a widely recognized emblem of design excellence.

For more information, visit the Good Design Award Official Website.

About Kume Sekkei

Established in 1932, Kume Sekkei is dedicated to exploring what ‘richness’ means in society through thoughtful architecture and design. With a team of about 650 professionals, the company pursues a harmonious blend of technology and design, creating values that foster progress for people and communities. Find out more about their projects at their official website.

Follow Kume Sekkei on Instagram to see their latest innovative designs and community projects.