Profile

Founded in 2011 in Tokyo by Ikko Kobayashi and Fumi Kashimura,
TERRAIN architects is an architecture studio currently based in Tokyo, Japan, and Kampala, Uganda.

We believe that architecture is a part of the “TERRAIN” it stands on.
Beyond its physical location, we view architecture and place as integral components of the topography, culture, climate, people, and time.

Building design and construction always come with certain constraints or limitations.
We recognize these constraints as essential characteristics representing the indigenousness of each place, informing and enriching our design process.

Through our design and construction processes, we explore how architecture can incorporate and amplify the indigenous elements of every environment.

Establish 2011
Member Architectural Institute of Japan / Tokyo Society of Architects / Uganda Society of Architects

Awards And Exhibitions

Award
2022
Archi-Neering Design AWARD 2022 Best Prize (Yamasen Japanese Restaurant)
2020
Good Design Gold Award/ Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (Yamasen Japanese Restaurant)
2019
AR Emerging Architecture Awards 2019 Finalist
2019
Aga Kahn Award for Architecture 2019 cycle Finalist (AU dormitory)
2019
AIJ Young Architect Award for Selected Architectural Designs 2019 (AU dormitory)
2012
JCD Design Award 2012 (ENDANG BUNKO)
2012
SD Review 2012 (AU dormitory)
Exibition／Lecture
2022
Lecture : International University of East Africa (Kampala, Uganda)
2022
Lecture : Shibaura Institute of Technology (Tokyo, Japan)
2021
Lecture : Kyushu University BeCAT Theme Lecture 2021"(Fukuoka, Japan)
2019
Exhibition : AR Emerging Architecture Awards 2019 (Amsterdam, the Netherlands)
2019
Exhibition : The 12th Sao Paulo International Architecture Biennale (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
2019
Lecture : Architects Forum No.181 "Wriggling Context" (Tokyo, Japan)
2019
Exhibition : Aga Kahn Award for Architecture 2019 cycle exhibition. (Tatarstan, Russia)
2019
Exhibition at Tapered Gallery of Tokyo University of the Arts. (Tokyo, Japan)
2017
Lecture：Columbia University GSAPP "Construction Practice" (New York, USA)
2017
Lecture：The University of Shiga Prefecture DANWASHITSU (Shiga, Japan）
2016
Lecture：Asia Pacific Architecture Forum 2016(Brisbane, Australia）
2012
Exhibition：SD Review 2012（Tokyo/Kyoto, Japan）

Staff

  • Ikko Kobayashi

    Principal Architect & Founder

    Profile
    1981
    Born in Hyogo, Japan
    2006
    Graduated from Tokyo City University
    Department of architecture (BA)
    2009
    Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts,
    Department of architecture (MA)
    2011
    Established TERRAIN architects.
    2021-
    Adjunct Professor at Tokyo City University
    2023-
    Honorary Visiting Professor at the University of Liverpool
    School of Architecture

  • Fumi Kashimura

    Principal Architect & Founder

    Profile
    1983
    Born in Kanagawa, Japan
    2005
    Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts,
    Department of architecture (BA)
    2007
    Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts,
    Department of architecture (MA)
    2007
    Yashima architect and associates
    Boyd Cody Architects
    2009 (-11)
    Research Associate at Tokyo University of the Arts
    2011
    Established TERRAIN architects.
    2021-
    Associate Professor at Tokyo University of the Arts