In May, amidst the vibrant fresh greenery, NLCS Kobe hosted a special, hands-on workshop featuring world-renowned architect Michele De Lucchi (AMDL CIRCLE).
Mr. De Lucchi is the visionary behind NLCS Kobe’s upcoming Mt. Rokko Campus, set to open in 2028. Surrounded by the rich nature that will home our future campus, our students sharpened their five senses to explore a profound question: “What makes a space feel truly comfortable?”
Architecture as “Communication for Our Happiness”
The workshop kicked off with an engaging dialogue centered around Mr. De Lucchi’s deep design philosophy.
“Architecture and design exist to help us live as happily as possible on this planet. A building is not just a ‘shelter’ from the elements; it is a form of communication and an expression of identity.”
The students engaged him with sharp, thought-provoking questions, leading to inspiring insights:
- On his favorite material: “Without a doubt, wood. It is a living being that breathes and grows with the seasons, which is why it feels inherently warm. It can be strong enough to support a house or flexible enough to bend. Its flame-like grain changes completely depending on how it’s cut, making it endlessly fascinating.”
- On his inspiration for the new campus: “The breathtaking forest and hilltop views inspired three core elements: Connection with nature, Hope for the future with a broad perspective, and Adaptability to respond flexibly to any situation. I designed the new campus with the wish that our students will thrive beautifully in this environment.”
Thinking Outside the Box: Shaping Nature
Armed with inspiration, students headed outdoors to gather natural elements and wood scraps from Mt. Rokko. Feeling the textures, shapes, and scents, they returned to create their own architectural models.
With no “right answers,” the room buzzed with creative freedom. Some worked in deep focus, while others collaborated dynamically. Three student representatives shared their unique concepts:
- “A Calming, Safe Space” “Inspired by Bonsai and hammock camping, I designed an open, sunlit space using wood and leaves to capture natural warmth and a sense of protection.”
- “A Stress-Free ‘Crazy Balcony'” “I focused entirely on creating a stress-free environment. Using wood scraps and moss, this green balcony is a cozy structure where everyone can unwind.”
- “A Unique Global Landmark” “I wanted to build something completely unique. Imagining a massive structure at a global airport where people gather from all over the world, I pushed the creative boundaries with bold decorations.”
Messages for the Future
■ Architect, Michele De Lucchi
“The students’ models beautifully captured nature within a compact space, showcasing 100% of their unique sensibilities. It was truly astonishing. In an era dominated by advanced technology like AI, we must remember that tools are just tools. What matters is human intent—how we perceive things and what we want to achieve. Intentionally facing nature and reflecting on oneself is an incredibly vital experience for these children.
The ‘promenade’ connecting the new campus buildings represents the heart of the school and mirrors life itself. Life has twists, turns, and changing environments. My hope is that students will walk this path, overlaying it with their own journeys into the future.”
■ CEO of Hakko LR Co., Ltd., Kohachi Ikeda
“The students’ creativity exceeded my expectations fivefold. Seeing them transform wood grain into a Zen garden or craft a clock from twigs was incredible. The biggest takeaway was watching their boundaries dissolve when told they could gather materials directly from nature. A student’s brief hesitation before picking a living leaf sparked an essential awareness of planetary coexistence. This grand scale of thinking only happens here in the nature of Mt. Rokko. As future leaders, this mindset will allow them to reshape the world.”
Looking Ahead to 2028
The day after the workshop, a traditional ground-breaking ceremony (Jichinsai) was held at the site with Mr. De Lucchi in attendance.
The nature of Mt. Rokko and the architectural passion shared by Mr. De Lucchi are now woven into the DNA of our future campus. Stay tuned for the dawn of this exciting new chapter in NLCS Kobe’s history!
