Japan's architectural design industry is facing many difficulties as a result of changing consumer preferences and a declining labor force. Client expectations for creative, aesthetically pleasing structures are rising, but safety and environmental concerns are also receiving more attention. Architects are responsible for creating buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical, as well as for building them to be resilient to natural calamities such as earthquakes and climate change. Being one of the few female entrepreneurs in the predominantly male field of design and construction in Japan, Tomaho Shigemura, Founder & CEO of Algorithm Design Lab, overcame certain obstacles without allowing them to define her professional path.
She aimed to break gender stereotypes by placing more emphasis on her enthusiasm and abilities than on her gender. She began her job in construction, an industry where women were not often seen but as the need for construction workers in Japan increased, she saw a change in the attitudes people had regarding nationality and gender.
Tamaho established Algorithm Design Lab in 2012, with the goal of using cutting-edge computation technology to change the architectural landscape. The organization focuses on integrating data-driven design processes, such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) and 3D architectural modeling, with tools like Grasshopper and Rhinoceros to enable the production of complex and environmentally efficient buildings. Its knowledge includes environmental modeling and design assistance, as well as assisting architects and builders in conceiving and constructing buildings that satisfy aesthetic and environmental objectives.
The idea that technology can not only push the boundaries of design but also provide more intelligent, sustainable, and effective architecture is fundamental to the organization’s goal. Algorithm Design Lab works in enlightenment, education, project support, and development, to assist the construction industry's digital transformation (DX) and produce a new breed of architects capable of tackling contemporary issues. The organization aims to encourage the production of attractive, nurturing buildings while promoting logical, innovative design by fusing academic research with real-world applications. Its ultimate goal is to drive the future of building and architectural innovation by fusing state-of-the-art technology with intelligent, sustainable design, thereby revolutionizing architectural practices.
Empowering Architecture with Advanced Technologies
Algorithm Design Lab provides a suite of services to leverage computer technologies to advance architectural design. The organization’s Design Support service integrates tools such as Rhinoceros, BIM, and environmental simulation to offer comprehensive support to promote creative and sustainable construction designs. With the use of this assistance, architects and construction experts can efficiently and precisely design complex structures.
The Consulting and Matching service aims to improve project operations by assisting companies in adopting and putting computational approaches into practice. Algorithm Design Lab helps clients connect with businesses and human resources, facilitating collaborations that lead to effective project outputs, in addition to providing advice on integrating these technologies.
“We are dedicated to knowledge sharing and industry capacity building through our education and training programs. We offer software textbooks for well-known programs such as Rhinoceros, Revit, ClimateStudio, Enscape, and Karamba”, adds Tamaho.
In addition to these tools, Algorithm Design Lab hosts workshops to guarantee that experts and learners alike receive practical experience with the newest architectural design technologies.
Algorithm Design Lab is at the forefront of using cutting-edge technology to design environmentally friendly and earthquake-resistant structures
Sustainable & Earthquake-Resilient Architecture
Algorithm Design Lab is at the forefront of using cuttingedge technology to design environmentally friendly and earthquake-resistant structures. The organization lays a high priority on incorporating anti-earthquake features that adhere to Japan's stringent seismic laws to guarantee building occupant safety during earthquakes. It prioritizes structural integrity in building design without sacrificing aesthetic appeal by applying high-level simulations including vibration and core simulations. Algorithm Design Lab also makes use of cutting-edge technology such as 3D CAD, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and environmental simulation tools to improve efficiency and cut down on the time and labor needed for construction.
The organization is also making use of robotic technology to aid in building processes, taking into account the scarcity of personnel in the construction industry to boost productivity in a sector that has seen very little efficiency advances in comparison to others. The organization has two major goals which are to revolutionize the architecture sector by eliminating unnecessary work and boosting productivity through digital transformation, and to encourage the design of environmentally friendly, sustainable structures.
When asked about advice for women entrepreneurs, Tamaho says, "Pursue your passions without hesitation, as perceptions of gender become irrelevant when one's work speaks for itself. It is possible to succeed in industries traditionally dominated by men through hard work and resilience”.
Tamaho Shigemura, Founder & CEO
Tamaho Shigemura is the Founder & CEO of Algorithm Design Lab, specializing in computation design, BIM, and environmental design. A Keio University graduate, she earned her GSD from Harvard University and studied at MIT. Tamaho's career includes work with Obayashi Corporation, participation in the NY WTC Tower 4 Project, and BIM support at Taisei Corporation. She was also involved in Japan’s New National Stadium Design Project and has been a part-time lecturer at Waseda University since 2014. She is an Autodesk Revit Certified Instructor and LCA expert.
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