Tokyo Re-Design: Revitalization of Local Community Through Sentō Bathhouses

For attending presentation sessions, please register in advance here.

Free and Open to Public

Join us at the Japan Creative Centre (JCC) for a conference led by National University of Singapore (NUS) architecture students, in collaboration with Japanese universities, as they share experiences gained during the 2025 summer program. The event explores innovative approaches to community revitalization in Tokyo, focusing on the transformation of Sentō bathhouses (銭湯再生). Once intended solely for bathing, Sentō bathhouses are now being rejuvenated as vibrant community hubs, incorporating elements like cafes, small libraries, and co-working spaces.

This evolution is driven by young people introducing new programs and reimagining Sentō’s role in urban life. The conference will also discuss how Japanese culture values subtle, non-verbal communication (察するコミュニケーション), fostering an environment where both solitude and social interaction are respected. Designing spaces that allow individuals to choose between being alone or engaging socially at their comfort level is seen as essential in effective community renovation.

NUS students will present architectural ideas inspired by these uniquely Japanese spaces, offering insights on how Sentō-based concepts could encourage new, inclusive forms of community interaction in both Tokyo and Singapore. Join us to exchange ideas, broaden your understanding of Japanese culture, and explore the future of community space design.

PRESENTATION TOPICS:

Community Renovation (銭湯再生): Intensive Architecture Workshop in Tokyo, 2025 (IAWT 2025) from May 23–June 14, 2025

IAWT2025 is initiating interdisciplinary activities between Singapore and Tokyo, which is a 10-day program designed to break down barriers and foster interaction among architecture students from diverse majors, universities, and even countries. Including 10 students from NUS, a total of 65 students jointed the workshop from the Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Nagoya City University and National University of Singapore. Furthermore, 14 professors from various fields, such as architectural history, environmental design, structural design, and architectural design, were participating in the program. In addition, Japanese architects are invited as practicing professionals. Students from four distinct majors were collaborating in a single group to propose community renovation initiatives centred around Sentō bathhouses in Tokyo.

During this time, we visited major architectural landmarks in Tokyo, such as the Musashino Art University Library, designed by Sou Fujimo, who is involved in the Osaka Expo 2025, the Tama art University Library, designed by Toyo Ito, who is involved in the Vivo city and many Singapore buildings; and Kait workshop and Plaza, as well as be welcomed by the Kengo Kuma Office.

EVENT DETAILS (Doors open 13:30)

14:00-14:10 Opening speech “Summary of last year’s proposals and this year’s assignment” (Dr. Shin Yokoo/Senior Lecturer, DOA, NUS)

14:10-14:30 Round-talk with audience (銭湯-温泉-世界のお風呂)  by New & Kawakami Architects

14:30-15:15 What is the Singaporean “Sentō”?  – Cultural Exchange between Japan & Singapore –

(Ahrielle Mathews, Hnin Ei Lwin, Yang Da, Zhou ZhouZhou/NUS, Aino Kuboki, Shunsuke Takada, Wataru Kamata/TUS)

15:15-15:30 Q&A

15:30-15:35 Short break

15:35-15:50 Guest Lecture “Interactive Architecture” (Assoc. Prof. Osamu Nishida/Tokyo University of Science)

15:50-16:00 Ending speech (Prof. Jeffrey Hou/Head of Department, DOA, NUS)

16:00-17:00 Mini reception (Snacks & Drinks)