#Japan #Tokyo #Nihon University #Tanita Housingware #Rooftop Design

Celebrating Creativity: The Roof Design Awards 2025

On January 24, 2026, Nihon University’s College of Art hosted a prestigious award ceremony for the "Roof Design Awards 2025," a collaborative project between the university's Design Department and Tanita Housingware Co., Ltd., a manufacturer renowned for its metal exterior building materials. This event marked a significant milestone in the integration of academic learning with practical design, highlighting the creativity and talent of students.

A Collaboration Honoring the Art of Roofing

The Roof Design Awards aims to celebrate the essential role of roofs in architecture, embraced by the Japanese phrase "屋根の美" (the beauty of roofs). Under this initiative, students from Nihon University were tasked with creating awards and icons reflecting the contest's spirit. This hands-on experience not only showcased their artistic skills but also allowed them to engage with industry professionals, bridging the gap between education and real-world architecture.

Spotlight on Award-Winning Designs

During the ceremony, a total of 40 outstanding designs were selected through a rigorous judging process overseen by prominent architects, including Tomo Irei, Kazuki Wakahara, and Mari Tochizawa. The event featured presentations by the student designers, providing insights into their creative processes and the principles that guided their work. As part of the awards, students introduced their concepts for awards given to the winners, which were inspired by the contest’s theme and the intricate art of roofing.

Designing the Future: Icon and Award Concepts

The design concepts emphasized growth and connection, using upward-curving lines reminiscent of water pathways to symbolize the interplay between roofs and rain gutters. The award pieces were crafted in collaboration with Tanita Housingware, bringing the students' imaginative designs to fruition. This synergy illustrates how practical engagement can enhance educational outcomes, preparing students for future careers in design and architecture.

Celebrating Excellence in Architecture

The award ceremony not only recognized the talent of the participating students but also honored seasoned professionals through various categories, such as the Renovation Award and the Young Architect U-40 Award. A unique aspect of this year’s event included a discussion session featuring judges and award winners, fostering dialogue about the intersection of design and craftsmanship in roofing. This talk highlighted the vital contributions of roofing craftsmen, addressing a pressing concern in the industry regarding the dwindling number of skilled artisans.

A Shared Vision for Architectural Excellence

Moderated by Ryuta Sekimoto, the discussion spurred thoughtful conversations among industry stakeholders, shedding light on the aspirations and challenges within the architectural landscape. "The Roof Awards is a unique event that not only recognizes designers but also those who construct these projects, creating a wholesome and commendable recognition framework," remarked Sekimoto. The participation of craftsmen provided a refreshing perspective, reaffirming their indispensable role in the future of architecture amidst the rise of technology and AI.

Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

The event concluded with a networking session, allowing students and professionals to interact and exchange ideas, an experience deemed invaluable by participants. Tanita Housingware’s representative, Yasushi Tanita, expressed his gratitude for the student presentations, highlighting their meaningful contributions to the design of awards and logos. Speaking on the essence of the competition, Tanita emphasized the importance of roofs in enhancing community spaces, preserving aesthetics, and contributing to energy efficiency.

Commitment to Architectural Innovation

Since 2019, Tanita Housingware has been committed to promoting quality architectural works relating to roofing through this contest, encouraging submissions from both residential and non-residential categories. The company's philosophy aligns with the principles illustrated by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius, emphasizing the inherent beauty, utility, and strength of long-lasting structures. Tanita believes that continuous innovation in roofing design not only beautifies buildings but also elevates the living experience.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: Roof Design Awards 2025 Ceremony
• - Date: January 24, 2026
• - Venue: Nihon University College of Art, A Building Lecture Hall
• - Organizer: Tanita Housingware Co., Ltd.

About Tanita Housingware

Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Itabashi, Tokyo, Tanita Housingware specializes in the production and sale of metal rain gutters, roofing materials, wall materials, and solar energy solutions. Their mission is to innovate while honoring the time-tested principles of architecture that contribute to a sustainable future.

For inquiries regarding this event or further information, please contact:
Tanita Housingware Co., Ltd.
Marketing Department: Kentaro Omachi
Tel: 03-3968-1590
Fax: 03-3968-3000