Join us at the Japan Creative Centre (JCC) for a conference led by students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Department of Architecture, in collaboration with Japanese universities, as they share experiences gained during the 2025 summer programme. We explore innovative approaches to community revitalisation through Sentō bathhouses (銭湯再生) in Tokyo. Once intended solely for bathing, Sentō bathhouses are now being rejuvenated as vibrant community hubs, connecting elements like cafes, small libraries, beer bars and co-working spaces.

This evolution is driven by young people introducing new programs and reimagining Sentō’s role in urban life. The conference will also discuss how Japanese culture values subtle, non-verbal communication (察するコミュニケーション), fostering an environment where both solitude and social interaction are respected. Designing spaces that allow individuals to choose between being alone or engaging socially at their comfort level is seen as essential in effective community renovation.

NUS students will present architectural ideas inspired by these uniquely Japanese spaces, offering insights on how Sentō-based concepts could encourage new, inclusive forms of community interaction in both Tokyo and Singapore. Join us to exchange ideas, broaden your understanding of Japanese culture, and explore the future of community space design.

For the opening speech, Senior Lecturer S. Yokoo from NUS will present an overview of the international workshops conducted since last year. Japanese and Singaporean architects (from New & Kawakami Architects) based in Singapore are invited to act as moderators for a discussion themed "Public Baths—Hot Springs—Bathhouses Around the World (銭湯-温泉-世界のお⾵呂)." The moderators will engage with attendees in a quiz format to deepen their understanding of Sentō culture. Subsequently, NUS and Japanese students from the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) introduce new projects undertaken by during the workshop in Tokyo.

After a short break, Assoc. Prof. O. Nishida from TUS will speak on the topic "Interactive Architecture," focusing on a scale of community. Professor H. Jeffrey, the head of the Department, Department of Architecture at NUS, will deliver the closing speech. At the end of the event, there will be a mini reception.

Date:

16 August 2025 (Saturday)

Time:

2pm - 5pm (Doors open 1:30pm)

Venue:

Japan Creative Centre (JCC)
Embassy of Japan in Singapore
4 Nassim Road Singapore 258372

Admission:

FREE and open to public (registration required)

• Opening Speech, Summary of last year’s proposals and this year’s assignment by Dr. Shin Yokoo/Senior Lecturer, DOA, NUS
• Round-talk with audience (銭湯-温泉-世界のお風呂) by New & Kawakami Architects
• What is the Singaporean Sentō? - Cultural Exchange between Japan & Singapore - by NUS & TUS students
• Q&A
• Short break
• Guest Lecture "Interactive Architecture" by Assoc. Prof. Nishida/Tokyo University of Science
• Ending speech by Prof. Jeffrey Hou/Head of Department, DOA, NUS
• Mini reception

IAWT2025 is initiating interdisciplinary activities between Singapore and Tokyo, which is a 10-day programme designed to break down barriers and foster interaction among architecture students from diverse majors, universities, and even countries. Including 10 students from NUS, a total of 65 students jointed the workshop from the Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Nagoya City University and NUS. Furthermore, 14 professors from various fields, such as architectural history, environmental design, structural design, and architectural design, were participating in the programme. In addition, Japanese architects are invited as practicing professionals. Students from four distinct majors were collaborating in a single group to propose community renovation initiatives centred around Sentō bathhouses in Tokyo.

During this time, we visited major architectural landmarks in Tokyo, such as the Musashino Art University Library, designed by Sou Fujimo, who is involved in the Osaka Expo 2025, the Tama art University Library, designed by Toyo Ito, who is involved in the Vivo city and many Singapore buildings; and Kait workshop and Plaza, as well as be welcomed by the Kengo Kuma Office.

Click button or scan QR to register:

If the registration is full, or you would like to cancel your registration, please e-mail us at jcc@sn.mofa.go.jp. We regret that there is limited capacity, kindly register early to avoid disappointment. ALL EVENTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.

Please inform us at least 3 days before the event if you and/or your accompanying guest are unable to make it. No-show registrants will be noted and be given lower priority for our future events.

Is this your first time to Japan Creative Centre? Follow the map below to Japan Creative Centre now.

Getting to Japan Creative Centre
4 Nassim Road Singapore 258372
Tel: +65-6737-0434

By Public Bus:
Bus services: 7, 36, 77, 105, 106, 111, 123, 132, 174, 174E, 502, 502A, 502B (Alight in front of Delfi Orchard)
For latest information on bus routes and fares, please refer to SBS Transit.

By the MRT:
You may also take the MRT to the nearest MRT station, Orchard (NS22).
Train fares, travel times and route maps are available on the SMRT website.

Driving to JCC:
Nearest parking is at Orchard Hotel, Delfi Orchard and Orchard Rendezvous Hotel.