BeCAT Fall 2025 Semester Project Proposal Studio | Final Presentation Report
BeCAT Fall 2025 Semester Project Proposal Studio | Final Presentation Report
In the fall 2025 session of this studio, first-year master's students and international students were asked to identify familiar social issues and conceive and propose solutions from an architectural and urban perspective, with a view to developing the BeCAT Applied Program.
The three core principles that were valued were as follows:
1) Conduct research on new environmental architecture by combining art and technology.
2) Integrate various research topics from universities and implement them in society, using Kyushu as a field of study.
3) Redefine the role of architecture and community in a sustainable society through Act Local / Think Global.
There are two types of projects, and students can choose which one they prefer.
① Students themselves identify problems within society.
② Select from projects provided by BeCAT.
Furthermore, this studio assigned students not only the task of design proposals but also the goal of implementing crowdfunding to raise funds for each project. In order to validate and communicate proposals for social issues as "projects that society needs," students were expected to comprehensively enhance their planning, analytical, and presentation skills.
At the final review session, which also served as a project proposal meeting, held on January 8, 2026, representatives from related companies and organizations, as well as others interested in BeCAT's activities, gathered, and six teams gave presentations.
Proposal 1 | BeCAT × Munakata Miare Art Festival
Using technology to transform marine plastic into something valuable, we create "architecture that saves the ocean and enriches cities."
Akashi Schleister, Toshizumi Kaieda, Misa Nakasuji, Xu Yifan
This proposal involves collecting marine plastic that washes ashore on the coast of Munakata City, and reusing it as building material by turning it into panels. The goal is to transform the panels made from plastic waste into bus stops and benches for the "Munakata Miare Art Festival" in 2026, adding to the beauty of the local landscape.
The critique praised the artwork's message, but also pointed out the need to ensure profitability and sustainability for social implementation, as well as to further explore designs that leverage the properties of plastic.
Proposal 2 | BeCAT × Mitsubishi Estate
A social experiment based on the Tenjin 17 Project - Mobility that adds color to the gaps in the city -
Julie Dinvaux, O'Linka-Divine Ibovi, Tenma Minami, Miori Ito
This proposal involves creating mobile units using CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) currently used for temporary fencing in the redevelopment area of Tenjin, Fukuoka, as part of a demonstration experiment to transform road spaces into attractive, pedestrian-centered areas. Inspired by the iconic food stalls of Fukuoka, the design will be familiar to Fukuoka residents and will transform pedestrian spaces into places for extended stays, offering diverse uses beyond just food and drink.
The feedback expressed optimism that this initiative would improve the quality of road space utilization. On the other hand, it was suggested that further development is needed regarding the overall use of the space and the design of the system for who will operate and manage it and how.
Proposal 3 | BeCAT × Kyushu University Faculty of Agriculture Experimental Forest
A community-participatory urban park being created within the Kyushu University Faculty of Agriculture's experimental forest - A mobile café pioneers the development of this urban park.
Ryota Sakuragi, Ren Nakamura, Georg Skeide Skipnes, Jonas Taleman, Lea Michelle Loevvik
We proposed a community-participatory revitalization project centered around a cafe that moves annually within the Ikinomatsubara National Park. By utilizing existing animal trails and having the cafe move through the pine forest, we aim to create a new flow of people and a sense of community in the often neglected forest.
The feedback indicated a need to increase the resolution of the design and create symbolic forms and mechanisms that participants would empathize with and want to support.
Proposal 4｜BeCAT × ATELIER-GALLERY Share Architecture
Aiming for a sustainable cycle of architectural preservation
Mount Oike
This proposal involves converting the use of historically valuable buildings to include accommodations, co-working spaces, and shops utilizing trailer homes, all in order to preserve the buildings. It aims to create a model, both in terms of hardware and software, that protects classic houses facing increasing maintenance costs through cultural "commerce."
The critique praised the survey for interpreting the value of the existing building, but pointed out the necessity of using a movable trailer house as the hardware solution, as well as the weakness of the customer attraction and management strategies considering the harsh winter environment of the region.
Proposal 5 | BeCAT x Itoshima Vacant House Project
Transforming the "Time" of the Forest into the "Pride" of Itoshima - A Challenge to a Circular Winery, Walking Alongside Giant Trees That Exceptional to Standards -
Emile Vertriest, Akashi Schleister, Toshizumi Kaieda
This proposal involves utilizing large-diameter timber, which is currently underutilized and traded at low prices, as structural material for a winery in Itoshima. The project aims to express the vitality of large-diameter timber, which has been discarded in the market, by aligning it with the maturation of wine, and thereby promoting a sustainable forestry cycle in the region.
The strength of the story and the sense of space were highly praised. For implementation, advice was given on how to address actual terrain conditions such as the slopes of vineyards, and on a strategic perspective of utilizing crowdfunding as test marketing.
Proposal 6 |
Fermentation Architecture: Symbiosis with Microorganisms Starting from the Room
Takumi Saito
This project develops building materials that enhance immunity by utilizing the "substrate" and mycelium used in mushroom cultivation. Temporary spaces made from 100% biodegradable building materials will be deployed in urban areas, creating opportunities for contact with microorganisms that modern people are losing.
The critique highlighted the research as highly original, but emphasized the need to address the "eerie" aspect inherent in organic materials through design, and to enhance its persuasiveness by collaborating with experts on scientific evidence such as health benefits.
Proposal 7 | BeCAT × Kyushu University Department of Applied Chemistry
Exhibition booth for methanol production research originating from Kyushu University
TRANSLATING CHEMICAL RESEARCH INTO SPACE -A Geodesic Exhibition Pavilion Based on Material Refinement-
Mulaku Festim
This is a proposal for an exhibition booth that visualizes Kyushu University's innovative research on producing ethanol from biomass such as bamboo and crustacean shells. The design features a hexagon motif reminiscent of chemical formulas, and is constructed using aluminum pipes, 3D joints made from recycled materials, and Japanese paper, aiming to be a showcase that delivers scientific knowledge to society.
The critique praised the originality of the scientific approach, which utilized a very simple yet groundbreaking reaction. However, it was also pointed out that in order to convey specialized content to the general public, it should go beyond a mere technical exhibit and further pursue "beauty that evokes empathy" and "quality of experience."
BeCAT 2025 Fall Semester Project Proposal Studio Final Presentation
Date and time｜January 8, 2026 15:1-18:30
Location: Room A-215, Building 1, East Campus, Ito Campus
Participating teachers: Shohei Shigematsu, Kaori Suehiro, Hirokazu Suemitsu, Moriko Kira, Bunji Izumi, Masaru Momoe
Design assistants: Ayano Kusumoto, Hisato Ida
Studio Schedule
Guidance on October 29th (Wed)
11/5 (Wed) Lecture
November 6th (Thu) Business Pitch Observation @ONE FUKUOKA BLDG
11/12 (Wed) Sketch
11/19 (Wed) Sketch
11/26 (Wed) Midterm Review Session
12/3 (Wed) Sketch
12/10 (Wed) Sketch
12/17 (Wed) Sketch
12/24 (Wed) Sketch
January 8th (Thu) Final Review Session and Project Presentation
