FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kdu Campus Center: A New Hub for Learning and Community in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa, Japan

Atelier Meme has unveiled the Kdu Campus Center, a groundbreaking educational facility that reimagines the role of campus architecture in fostering connection and community. Completed in January 2024 in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, the project was inspired by the inviting squares and parks of charming towns, aiming to counteract the monotony and disconnect of traditional campus layouts. The centerpiece is a vast, cloud-like roof that unites administrative, learning, and communal spaces, transforming the campus into a vibrant and welcoming hub.

The design stands out for its harmonious blend of classic concrete framing and a lightweight, expansive roof crafted using advanced voided slab technology and artisan formwork. This innovative structure is supported by slender columns and features gentle curves, creating an airy, liberating environment that contrasts with the rigidity of typical institutional buildings. The integrated landscaping blurs the boundaries between the campus and the adjacent park, encouraging fluid movement and interaction between students, staff, and the wider community.

Functionality and inclusivity were central to the project's vision. The campus center serves as the "foyer of the campus and the city," offering flexible spaces for focused study, administrative work, and informal gatherings. The design process carefully balanced the client's need for traditional functionality with a desire for openness and accessibility, resulting in a space that is both practical and inviting. Special attention was given to safety, accessibility, and the seamless integration of the building with its surroundings, ensuring the center remains a timeless and enduring hub for generations to come.

The Kdu Campus Center's success has been recognized with the Silver A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design for 2025, celebrating its outstanding creativity, technical innovation, and positive impact on campus and community life. The project exemplifies Atelier Meme's philosophy of "gentle architecture," demonstrating how thoughtful design can transform educational environments into inclusive, dynamic spaces that inspire connection and engagement.

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