Shimizu Corporation and Institute of Science Tokyo have initiated a joint research project aimed at establishing a transformative building production model to replace traditional complete rebuilding or conventional renovation. On August 17, the two partners held a signing ceremony in Tokyo to announce the launch of a collaborative industry-academic research base within the university campus. By combining structural component reuse with advanced exterior facade renovation, the initiative seeks to establish "building upcycling"—a paradigm that regenerates existing structures into high-value assets matching newly constructed buildings in structural integrity, environmental performance, and aesthetic design. The partners plan to apply their jointly developed technologies to commercial projects at an early stage.

The newly established research hub is led by Professor Shoichi Kishiki of Institute of Science Tokyo as head of the center. Operating through July 31, 2029, the hub will spearhead technological innovations in structural component reuse and facade retrofitting. By integrating Shimizu Corporation’s practical construction engineering expertise with the academic research capabilities of Institute of Science Tokyo, the collaborative hub will conduct the R&D necessary to realize building upcycling. The initiative aims to construct a new building production framework capable of upgrading existing properties into highly valuable, attractive real estate at lower costs and shorter construction periods than new construction. This model seeks to shift the construction industry away from its traditional "scrap-and-build" approach, thereby advancing the circular economy.

Moving forward, Shimizu and Institute of Science Tokyo will encourage active participation from building material manufacturers and other industry stakeholders. Alongside technological development, the team will focus on accelerating the practical deployment of their research outcomes. (2026/08/19)