"Dairy Farming × IT" Specialized School
Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)

Iwatani Academy "Dairy Farming × IT" Specialized School

Atelier MEME as Architects

Nakashibetsu Town, located in eastern Hokkaido, is one of Japan's leading dairy production areas. In recent years, IT/ICT technologies have been introduced into various aspects of dairy farming, such as cattle health management and guidance on walking routes. Supported by the local government and volunteers, Iwatani Academy has spearheaded the establishment of Japan's first "Dairy Farming × IT" specialized school, aimed at nurturing talents proficient in these technologies.

photo_credit ©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
photo_credit ©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
photo_credit ©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
photo_credit ©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)

Students in the dairy farming program are required not only to complete normal lessons but also to engage in after-class group activities and internships, necessitating long hours on campus. Therefore, the school is designed to be a comforting place, reminiscent of home.

photo_credit ©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
photo_credit ©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)

Spaces such as classrooms, tech labs, and library corners were conceptualized as "homes" of various scales, from small to large, setting each area's volume within this spectrum. These "homes" are staggered north to south along the site's elongated east-west axis. Connecting these volumes with human-scale openings creates a comfortable distance between the houses, naturally generating students' places. Progressing through the entrance, the journey across these openings unveils a tapestry of diverse activities, similar to the anticipation of walking through a lively street or tranquil path. Though the combination of classrooms and corridors is typical, controlling the scale and arrangement has created a vibrant space.

photo_credit ©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
photo_credit ©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)

Residential areas spread to the west and east sides of the site. The school's stance, resembling a collective of homes, seamlessly connects with the residential neighborhood. The facade, resonating with the birch forest to the north, and a landscape without any fences, blends well into the tranquil town scenery. The partnership between the school's founders and local authorities transforms tech labs into versatile community event spaces. Movable partitions and large sliding windows are thoughtfully incorporated to accommodate future events.

photo_credit ©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
photo_credit ©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
photo_credit ©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)
©Sakai Koji (GRAYTONE PHOTOGRAPHS)

Nakashibetsu Town faces a declining population and the outflow of the younger generation. The lack of appealing industries and the perceived dairy farming as labor-intensive and inefficient have deterred youth. The school not only aims to cultivate a generation proficient in dairy farming information technologies but also encourages young people to stay and live in their hometown, ultimately revitalizing the local community.

photo_credit ©Atelier MEME
©Atelier MEME
photo_credit ©Atelier MEME
©Atelier MEME
Project Credits
Architects
Product Spec Sheet

Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
Urban plan for Oostenburg in Amsterdam’s city center combines industrial heritage with urban density
31 Oct 2024 News
Urban plan for Oostenburg in Amsterdam’s city center combines industrial heritage with urban density

The artificial island of Oostenburg is the final large-scale development in Amsterdam’s city c... More

Serene home in Mexico by HW Studio is cocooned in wood and bathed with warm zenithal light
30 Oct 2024 News
Serene home in Mexico by HW Studio is cocooned in wood and bathed with warm zenithal light

Completed in July 2024, Casa Emma was designed by Mexican architectural practice HW Studio. Located... More

ITECH Research Pavilion 2024 demonstrates novel approach to bio-based hybrid architecture
30 Oct 2024 Innovations
ITECH Research Pavilion 2024 demonstrates novel approach to bio-based hybrid architecture

The latest ITECH Research Pavilion project asks the question: “How can technology drive a bala... More

Archello Awards 2024 Finalists – Projects
29 Oct 2024 Archello Awards
Archello Awards 2024 Finalists – Projects

Archello Awards 2024 has revealed the projects nominated as finalists to win each of this year&rsquo... More

Archello Awards 2024 Finalists – Products
29 Oct 2024 Archello Awards
Archello Awards 2024 Finalists – Products

Archello Awards 2024 has revealed the projects nominated as finalists to win each of this year&... More

Archello Awards 2024 Finalists – Firms
29 Oct 2024 Archello Awards
Archello Awards 2024 Finalists – Firms

Archello Awards 2024 has revealed the projects nominated as finalists to win each of this year&... More

De Zwarte Hond completes circular renovation and extension of 1970s Leiden University building
29 Oct 2024 News
De Zwarte Hond completes circular renovation and extension of 1970s Leiden University building

Architectural studio De Zwarte Hond has completed a considered circular renovation and extension of... More

Footbridge-like Villa Sidonius in Czech Republic experiments with architecture and technology
28 Oct 2024 News
Footbridge-like Villa Sidonius in Czech Republic experiments with architecture and technology

Prague-based architectural studio Stempel & Tesar architekti has completed Villa Sidonius, a ste... More