BeCAT 2026 Applied Program Proposal Meeting | Event Report

This is an applied program where master's students take on the role of project leader and work on social issue projects.
Including those that underwent preliminary preparations in the fall 2025 studio, a total of seven projects will be underway in 2026.
A proposal meeting was held on April 24th to officially launch the 2026 Applied Program for the new academic year, with eight students from seven projects giving presentations.

Project 1 | BeCAT × Mycelium Architecrute Lab
Fermentation Architecture: Symbiosis with Microorganisms Starting from the Room

Takumi Saito

This project aims to simultaneously address the issue of weakened immunity in children due to modern sterile environments and the problem of waste mushroom substrate disposal faced by mushroom farmers.
We will develop a circular building material using mycelium (a porous mycelium that easily retains microorganisms) by reusing spent mushroom substrate from mushroom farmers in Itoshima City. By introducing this building material, we aim to create an environment where people can come into contact with microorganisms on a daily basis and improve their immune function. As a prototype, we propose lightweight partitions and rest spaces that combine mycelium blocks and paper tubes, and we also plan to conduct actual measurement evaluations using microbial genome analysis with a next-generation sequencer.
The feedback praised the presentation for its excellent balance and high level of skill. However, the need to further elaborate on the future revenue generation mechanism and to scientifically demonstrate why mycelium is the only suitable material compared to other building materials was identified.

Project 2 | BeCAT × VATTEN BREWING
Oguni Town Brewery Project　Value chain analysis of construction utilizing large-diameter timber

Risumi Kaieda

This project aims to find architectural value in large-diameter timber, which is often considered a "negative product" in modern timber distribution, and to promote its utilization.
In Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, famous for its Oguni cedar, we will design and construct accommodation facilities using large-diameter timber in cooperation with a local construction company. Our aim is to provide a vibrant spatial experience unique to large-diameter timber, and to clarify the value chain and cost formation of large-diameter timber that is outside the distribution channels, from logging, drying, transportation, to construction.
The critique called for more detailed consideration of the interesting shapes and "cracks" unique to large-diameter timbers, as well as ensuring joint and structural stability. Given the limitations of the available work, advice was also given to make appropriate judgments about the scale of construction and to strengthen hypotheses, such as comparing the advantages of existing construction methods with the new approach.

Project 3 | BeCAT × Kyushu University Faculty of Agriculture Experimental Forest
Ikinomatsubara Park Development Project

Ren Nakamura

This project aims to transform a vast windbreak forest, which also serves as Kyushu University's experimental forest, into an urban park open to the local community through small-scale development.
As Phase 1 of a plan to develop the underutilized experimental forest, which incurs significant maintenance costs, on a "long-term" and "small-scale" basis, we plan to create a cafe and large furniture pieces. First, we aim to enhance the value of the area by developing furniture such as benches and tables, centered around the "animal trail," a popular walking path for local residents.
The critique pointed out shortcomings in the research into the material properties of pine and its historical and environmental value as a windbreak. The plan was still too abstract, and the participants were encouraged to take action, even on a small scale, and to make concrete proposals, which would help facilitate coordination with stakeholders.

Project 4 | BeCAT × Kyushu University Department of Applied Chemistry
TRANSLATING CHEMICAL RESEARCH INTO SPACE
Spatial Translation of Chitosan-Based Biomaterials in Temporary Pavilion Design

Festim Mulaku

This project translates research into the chemical conversion process from biomass to methanol into an architectural spatial experience.
We will develop a circular panel that is lightweight yet strong and durable by combining chitosan, a natural polymer found in crab shells and other materials, with laminated paper. The hexagonal panel, inspired by the carbon ring structure, aims to achieve both structural efficiency and modularity. The pavilion will consist of three elements: chitosan panels, a bamboo frame, and bolted joints, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. It will be exhibited in a facility in Fukuoka City, with a visitor flow designed to allow visitors to relive the scientific process.
The critique included questions about the complexity and feasibility of the joints, as well as suggestions about the possibility of creating it using only paper materials without a frame. Because it would be installed in a high-traffic area, safety and structural integrity, as well as fire safety considerations for placement within a facility, were also highlighted.

Project 5 | BeCAT × Mitsubishi Estate
A study on the transformation of loitering behavior in groups of street furniture through gradual design interventions.
—A demonstration experiment on Inaba-cho Street—

Nantenma

This is a demonstration project to transform a newly opened pedestrian-only street in Tenjin, Fukuoka City, which is undergoing redevelopment, from a "space to pass through" to a "space to linger" by placing street furniture in the style of a food stall.
Using CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) that was previously used as temporary fencing for redevelopment work, we created the first food stall, "KOKAGE," and are conducting experiments by changing its use as a cafe, market, and library depending on the time of day. After the street opens in July, we will use observational surveys, questionnaires, logistic regression analysis, and survival analysis to objectively evaluate how the furniture arrangement and sense of enclosure affect the length of stay and interaction.
The critique praised the project's practical progress. Advice was given that, given the building's location in a confined space with strong winds, visually impactful designs and designs from the perspective of someone looking down from above would be interesting elements of urban design. Strategic considerations were also advised, such as creating a mechanism for securing sponsors to ensure the project's sustainability.

Project 6 | BeCAT × Kagoshima Prefecture Residents
Kagoshima Temporary Plaza Project

Takeshi Oike + Ryota Sakuragi

This project proposes a collaborative approach to public works projects, gradually building them up step by step, in order to bridge the gap and address criticisms that arise between those involved in planning and the general public in large-scale public works projects.
As a step towards the construction of a sports arena in Kagoshima, a "temporary plaza" will be built on an adjacent site with the participation of local residents. This plaza will include a 3-on-3 basketball court, an event and market venue, and an exhibition space showcasing a projected image of the future completed facility. Taking advantage of the location near Sakurajima, we also plan to conduct measurements and research on the impact of shaping in an ashfall environment (predicting ash deposition using wind analysis) and the environmental facade on the comfort of the outdoor space. We are planning to raise funds through grants and crowdfunding.
The critique praised the project for its unique approach in Japan, where citizens create public spaces themselves, finding it highly interesting. Drawing on European examples, the potential for creating value and systems that participants would want to experience was suggested. Expectations were high for how safety and the unique environmental phenomena of Kagoshima would be incorporated into the design and research.

Project 7 | BeCAT × Munakata Miare Art Festival
Repurposing marine plastic as a new building material: Creating "architecture that saves the ocean and enriches cities."

Schleister Akashi

This project aims to recycle ocean plastic, which flows into the world at a rate of approximately 800 million tons per year, as a resource for the construction industry, which uses approximately 8000 million tons of plastic annually.
At the Munakata Taisha Shrine's "Miare Art Festival," we will create and install an information center (pavilion) made from upcycled marine plastic. With the cooperation of the "World Marine Plastic Planning Center PLAPLA" in Saga, we will crush and heat-press the collected plastic to create 600mm square panels. By layering and bending these panels like scales, we will ensure strength and create an iconic form that evokes the ocean. We will also conduct scientific measurements and evaluations, such as strength tests, UV exposure tests, and strength changes due to mixing different types of plastics.
The critique acknowledged the project's high social significance, but also pointed out shortcomings in terms of technical aspects and vision for implementation. Advice was given to more carefully consider the frame construction and joint details to ensure sufficient strength to withstand strong winds. Furthermore, architectural challenges were anticipated, such as creating a frameless structure by leveraging the properties of the plastic itself, rather than simply applying panels as an "exterior finish."

The seven projects, comprised of a total of eight students and their student supporters, will further refine their work based on the feedback received and move forward with their efforts toward social implementation.

BeCAT 2026 Applied Program Planning and Proposal Meeting
Date and time｜January 24, 2026 14:4-16:45
Location: Room A-215, Building 1, East Campus, Ito Campus