Why is a structure referred to as “invisible”? It is because of its structural frames that are almost indistinguishable from its surroundings, reflecting all the elements around it and blending seamlessly with its environment. One such example is the Sumida Hokusai Museum in Tokyo, Japan. The consideration of practicality, usage, design, environment and its durability as part of the building process demonstrates how we should build with multiple objectives in mind for maximum impact on people and the environment.
Building for durability and design
The museum’s exterior is covered with anodized aluminum panels, which is an unconventional approach. Through an electrochemical process known as “anodization,” a protective oxide layer is applied to the surface of the aluminum panels. This special process enhances the material’s aesthetic qualities, such as smoothness and luster, while also increasing its durability and corrosion resistance. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the reflection of sunlight keeps the interior temperature balanced, reducing the need for mechanical cooling and saving energy.
When considering the aesthetics and environmental friendliness of this structure, it becomes clear that architecture and engineering have been used in harmony. In a country that experiences frequent earthquakes, how much does technical innovation advance us in terms of earthquake preparedness? The fact that Japan is an earthquake-prone country has forced engineers to develop unconventional solutions. The Sumida Hokusai Museum was designed with a light steel frame structure rather than a reinforced concrete structure. If you are wondering why steel, the answer lies in the laws of physics. To minimize the effects of seismic forces during an earthquake, less mass should be used. In other words, a lighter structure is less affected by the seismic forces released during an earthquake and therefore offers greater resistance and sustainability.
The advantages of steel structures are not limited to structural integrity. Steel structures are generally extremely suitable for modular production. Modular production is a way of making products by breaking them down into smaller, interchangeable parts or "modules." Instead of building everything from scratch, different modules are created separately and then put together in different combinations to make a complete product. The advantage of this is that it is manufactured in a factory environment rather than on-site production, offering greater control and systematic processes, thereby accelerating the construction.
Thoughtful integration and environmental harmony
One of the reasons this structure is environmentally friendly is that it has a low carbon footprint during the construction phase. Using less material in the structure and thereby reducing the need for transportation lowers the carbon footprint. Furthermore, the museum has been deliberately designed to allow natural light to shine through, with UV-filtered windows that filter the sunlight entering the building in order to protect the works of art inside. In addition, energy-efficient LED lighting systems have been chosen for the interior lighting, thereby reducing energy consumption. Lighting plays an important role here in terms of sustainability and the preservation of the works of art.
The architectural design language of Kazuyo Sejima, the architect who designed the museum, also encompasses efficient engineering. How can you tell that an architect’s design language also emphasizes engineering? There are elements in the Hokusai museum where you can clearly observe this. Double-walled façades and triangular voids directly affect the structural behavior of the building. The Sumida Hokusai Museum harmoniously combines architecture and engineering in a way that serves as an example for future buildings.
While researching this museum, I learned that engineering is not just about equations. In civil engineering, choices that consider the environment and people can have a hugely positive impact in different situations. The fact that the reflective panels of the Hokusai museum are not only designed for invisibility but also to utilize light and balance heat and that a lightweight steel structural system was chosen to minimize seismic forces due to the country’s disaster-prone region, demonstrates that each engineering decision does not have a single objective. Perhaps there is an engineering example in your surroundings that goes unnoticed but has a significant impact. Moreover, perhaps one day you will be the one to bring to life an engineering example that creates significant impact. Be the one who values and highlights the parts that are often overlooked.