Characterized by its unique exterior of cedar planks designed to resemble fish scales, the Daiwa Ubiquitous Computing Research Building is a state-of-the-art “intelligent building” that opened in May 2014. The building was donated by Daiwa House Industry Co. and serves as an educational and research center for ubiquitous computing at the University’s Interfaculty Initiative for Information Studies. It features a large array of sensors which monitor wind speed, radiation, particulate matter, temperature, humidity and many other factors, recording data which is uploaded to a network and can be used for a variety of purposes in the so-called “Internet of Things.” Designed by renowned architect and University of Tokyo Professor Kengo Kuma, this high-tech facility also features a mud wall on the side facing Kaitokukan’s garden made by Hida-Takayama plaster craftsman Shuhei Hasado. There is also an outdoor plaza, which lends to the building a sense of openness.
