Architectural Cases

Toyota's new Research & Development Center, conceptualized as an "Innovation Park," represents a significant stride in the automotive industry's pursuit of future mobility solutions. This expansive facility seamlessly blends cutting-edge technological advancement with an environmentally conscious design, creating a collaborative and inspiring workspace for its researchers.

TOYOTA's New "Innovation Park" Pushes Boundaries in Autonomous Driving in Shanghai

In a groundbreaking move for future mobility, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. has officially opened its new Research and Development Center, dubbed the "Innovation Park," in Shanghai, China. The state-of-the-art facility, meticulously designed by the renowned architectural firm Nikken Sekkei, spans an impressive 46,003 square meters and was successfully completed in 2023.

Situated in the bustling Jiading District, this avant-garde center is poised to become a pivotal hub for pioneering research, primarily focusing on the evolution of autonomous driving technologies. Toyota's vision for this facility extends beyond mere technological breakthroughs; it aims to cultivate a "mobility society" in China that prioritizes harmony between human innovation and environmental stewardship. The architectural design deliberately creates a park-like ambiance, seamlessly integrating natural elements with modern infrastructure. This unique environment is intended to stimulate creativity and foster a collaborative spirit among its diverse team of researchers and employees, encouraging interdisciplinary interaction and shared progress.

With its strategic location and forward-thinking design, the Toyota Research and Development Center is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation, driving innovation that benefits both society and the planet.

The establishment of this "Innovation Park" highlights a forward-thinking approach to industrial development, where technological progress is intertwined with ecological considerations and human well-being. It serves as a compelling example for other corporations, demonstrating that advanced research facilities can be designed to be both highly functional and deeply integrated with their natural surroundings, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and collaborative future.

Project Weavefield, led by studio whispace + architects, meticulously repurposed a historic residential structure from the Japanese colonial period, nestled within a contemporary elementary school setting in Miaoli, Taiwan. This innovative adaptive reuse project, finalized in 2025, has transformed the 120-square-meter building into a vibrant classroom dedicated to the art of rush weaving. The design philosophy behind Project Weavefield transcends mere restoration; it creates a dynamic interaction between the building's rich past and its new educational purpose, allowing history to breathe new life within a modern academic environment. By preserving the essence of the original architecture while introducing functional updates, the project serves as a tangible link between different eras, enriching the learning experience for students.

This initiative not only honors the architectural heritage of the region but also reimagines the utility of existing structures for future generations. The integration of historical architecture into daily school life offers a unique pedagogical tool, enabling students to engage with their cultural past in an immediate and meaningful way. Project Weavefield exemplifies how thoughtful design can bridge temporal gaps, fostering a sense of continuity and appreciation for both historical context and contemporary needs within an educational landscape. The collaborative efforts of lead architects Wen-Chian Hu and Pei-Hsuan Chin, alongside the design team, culminated in a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and profoundly functional, captured beautifully by YuChen Chao Photography.

Bridging History and Modernity in Education

The Project Weavefield endeavors to gracefully intertwine the echoes of history with the demands of contemporary education. Nestled within an active elementary school in Miaoli, Taiwan, a former residential building from the Japanese colonial era has been thoughtfully transformed. Instead of a straightforward restoration, the design team opted for an adaptive reuse approach, converting the 120-square-meter structure into a specialized rush-weaving classroom. This decision reflects a commitment to creating a 'third space' where the past is not merely preserved but actively engaged with, fostering a living dialogue between historical memory and present-day application. The architectural intervention respects the original character of the edifice while embedding it with new purpose, showcasing how heritage buildings can evolve to serve modern community needs.

The adaptive transformation at Project Weavefield is more than just a physical renovation; it represents a conceptual shift in how educational spaces can be envisioned. By establishing a dedicated classroom for rush weaving within a building steeped in history, the project offers students a unique, immersive learning environment. This approach allows for a direct connection to cultural heritage through hands-on activities, bridging generations and traditions. The design thoughtfully integrates contemporary functionality without sacrificing the building’s historical integrity, creating a symbiotic relationship between old and new. This thoughtful blend encourages a deeper appreciation for architectural longevity and the continuous evolution of spaces, making the classroom a vibrant testament to enduring design and educational innovation.

Innovative Adaptive Reuse for Learning

The core philosophy of Project Weavefield revolves around the innovative adaptive reuse of a significant historical asset: a residential building dating back to the Japanese colonial period. This structure, situated on an elementary school campus in Miaoli, Taiwan, has been meticulously reimagined as a modern rush-weaving classroom. The architects, studio whispace + architects, specifically Wen-Chian Hu and Pei-Hsuan Chin, steered clear of a conventional restoration, opting instead for a design that establishes a dynamic conversation between the building's past life and its current educational function. This strategic transformation of the 120-square-meter space emphasizes a 'third space' where historical narratives converge with daily educational activities, thereby enriching the learning environment and offering a unique insight into cultural continuity.

This innovative project showcases a profound understanding of how architectural heritage can be reanimated to serve contemporary needs. By transforming a former dwelling into a specialized weaving classroom, Project Weavefield creates an environment where students can learn and create within walls that have witnessed generations. The design thoughtfully integrates modern amenities required for a functional classroom while preserving and highlighting the distinct architectural elements of its colonial past. This blend not only makes the space highly functional but also enriches the educational experience, connecting students to the historical and cultural fabric of their community. The project stands as a model for sustainable development, illustrating how existing structures can be revitalized to contribute meaningfully to modern society.