a series of small gabled homes forms atelier meme's specialized school in japan

Iwatani Academy Merges Dairy Farming and IT education

Atelier MEME has completed the Iwatani Academy ‘Dairy Farming × IT’ Specialized School in Nakashibetsu Town, Hokkaido, Japan‘s first school combining dairy farming with IT education. The school addresses the local region’s primary industry—dairy farming—by integrating modern IT/ICT technologies into its curriculum, which is designed to train a new generation of professionals capable of advancing the efficiency of dairy farming operations through technology.

The architectural concept centers around a series of ‘homes’ of varying sizes, symbolizing different spaces for classrooms, tech labs, and library areas. These structures are arranged along an elongated east-west axis, linked by human-scale passages that create intimate spaces for relaxation and interaction between students. The design balances public and private zones by introducing a comfortable distance between the different building volumes, establishing a home-like environment conducive to learning.

all images courtesy of Atelier MEME

Atelier MEME’s Iwatani Academy Revitalizes Nakashibetsu Town

The open, fenceless landscape fosters community engagement and interaction with the local population, while the school’s collaboration with local authorities and community members plays a significant role in its design. The tech labs, equipped with large sliding windows and movable partitions, double as event spaces for the town, supporting its integration into the local community.

The design approach followed by Atelier MEME architectural office emphasizes the importance of connection, both in the physical structure and the school’s broader role in revitalizing Nakashibetsu Town. By fostering a sense of community and advancing dairy farming technologies, the school hopes to retain local talent and contribute to reversing the region’s population decline. This seamless blend of education, architecture, and community engagement reflects a thoughtful response to the town’s social and economic challenges.

Iwatani Academy in Nakashibetsu is Japan’s first school to combine dairy farming with IT education

the design consists of ‘homes’ of different sizes, housing classrooms, tech labs, and library spaces

the arrangement of the school buildings introduces a natural flow, enhancing the learning environment

the design encourages a balance between public and private zones, fostering a home-like atmosphere

by providing a modern, comfortable learning space, the school hopes to retain local talent in Nakashibetsu

large sliding windows in the tech labs allow the spaces to serve dual functions for education and relaxation

a series of human-scale passages connect the structures, creating intimate spaces for student interaction

the design blends educational spaces with communal areas, promoting a holistic approach to learning

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openings in the corridor

classroom interior

Tech Lab-1 view from the corridor

section and plan

project info:

name: Iwatani Academy ‘Dairy Farming × IT’ Specialized School
architect: Atelier MEME | @atelier_meme2013

location: Nakashibetsu, Shibetsu District, Hokkaido, Japan

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom