September | Where Conversations Begin

In September, SHIBAURA HOUSE hosted a busy program focused on architecture, design, and cultural exchange, with international exhibitions, visiting guests from many countries, and lively community moments throughout the month.

EXHIBITION |Very Wood. Austrian Architecture Today

Date: 9/8-9/24
Location: SHIBAURA HOUSE @1F+5F

Very Wood. Austrian Architecture Today is an Austrian architecture exhibition focused on wood construction. First shown at the Osaka Expo in May, the exhibition came to SHIBAURA HOUSE in September as part of its international tour. Austria and Japan are both known as “countries of forests,” with long traditions of building with wood.The exhibition uses installations and video works to explore the many possibilities of wood—from structure to form,and introduces the wood-based practices of around 30 Austrian architects and artists. During the exhibition period, it welcomed over 200 visitors, with many guests joining discussions on weekends.

Organizer | vai Vorarlberger Architektur Institut
Co-organizers | The Austrian Embassy / Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environment Protection, Regions and Water / Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs / Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport
Concept / Design / Art Installation | Atelier Andrea Gassner

Visit | the Mayor of Vienna and team 

Date:9/11 

We welcomed the Mayor of Vienna and the delegation to SHIBAURA HOUSE. After touring the Austrian architecture exhibition and our building, the Mayor and the Mayor’s team expressed appreciation for our operation concept and shared hopes for future cultural exchange between Tokyo and Vienna. Gifts were exchanged to mark the visit and look ahead to continued dialogue.

Visit | the Dutch Embassy Delegation

Same day, a delegation from the Dutch Embassy visited SHIBAURA HOUSE and gathered on the M5 floor to enjoy homemade vegetarian Japanese dishes by chef Yamaji. Artists from around the world joined conversations on design, art, and cultural exchange, and left small artworks, looking ahead to future collaborations.

Visit | the Austrian Embassy Delegation

Although the morning was sunny, the weather turned stormy in the afternoon. Despite the typhoon and heavy rain, the Austrian Embassy delegation visited SHIBAURA HOUSE with great enthusiasm.

Through an exhibition tour and an introduction to SHIBAURA HOUSE, we shared how architectural space can serve as a platform to support community and cultural exchange. The visit concluded with a warm reception, leaving a strong impression after a full and meaningful day.

Lecture | Austrian Architects

Location: SHIBAURA HOUSE@5F
SHIBAURA HOUSE hosted a lecture by Austrian architects Hermann Kaufmann and Juri Troy, attracting over 60 guests including professionals and the general public. The architects shared clear and accessible insights into wood architecture, its design ideas, and real projects.Many participants noted how the lecture showed that sustainable design and resource circulation can begin with everyday choices, offering a fresh perspective on the future of wood architecture.

Moon Kitchen 

Date:9/22
Moon Kitchen prepared mild and comforting dishes using fresh, organic vegetables. During the event, facilitator Aokid led interactive activities，from moving like animals to shaping the body in different ways，drawing both children and staff into the experience.It was a joyful evening filled with laughter and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The meetings and conversations that took place throughout September are part of SHIBAURA HOUSE’s ongoing work, as a platform that connects people, culture, and ideas through space. We hope these exchanges will lead to future collaborations and that new stories will continue to unfold here.