Updated on 2025/08/28

Information

 

写真a

 
IZUMI BUNJI
 
Organization
Faculty of Human-Environment Studies Department of Architecture and Urban Design Associate Professor
Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies Department of Architecture(Concurrent)
School of Engineering Department of Architecture(Concurrent)
Title
Associate Professor

Research Areas

  • Social Infrastructure (Civil Engineering, Architecture, Disaster Prevention) / Building structures and materials

Research History

  • Kyushu University Faculty of Human-Environment Studies Department of Architecture and Urban Design  Associate Professor 

    2025.4 - Present

  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology Faculty of Architecture and Design, Department of Architecture and Technology Assistant Professor 

    2020.3 - 2025.3

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    Country:Norway

  • Nikken Sekkei Ltd. Digital Design Lab., Structural Engineering Dept.  Senior Computational Designer, Associate 

    Nikken Sekkei Ltd.

    2013.11 - 2020.2

  • Tokyo Nikken Sekkei Ltd. Architectural Design Division, Architectural Design Department Architect 

    Tokyo Nikken Sekkei Ltd.

    2011.5 - 2013.9

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    Notes:Leased to Nikken Sekkei Ltd.

  • Driendl Architects zt GmbH   

    Driendl Architects zt GmbH

    2007.11 - 2010.11

Education

  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology, PhD Program   Faculty of Architecture and Design   Department of Architecture and Technology

    2021.9

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    Country:Norway

  • Vienna University of Technology, Postgraduate program (M.Sc.)   Continuing Education Center  

    2007.2 - 2008.9

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    Country:Austria

  • Vienna University of Technology, Master program (Dipl.-Ing. (M.Sc.))   Faculty of Architecture and Planning   Department of Architectural Sciences | Structural Design and Timber Engineering

    2005.10 - 2007.11

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    Country:Austria

  • The University of Tokyo   Graduate School of Engineering   Department of Architecture

    2004.4 - 2007.9

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    Notes:Withdrawal in September 2007

  • The University of Tokyo   Colleage of Liberal Arts, School of Engineeering   Department of Architecture

    2000.4 - 2004.3

Papers

  • Structural optimization for diversified designs in the conceptual design in architecture using shape grammar

    Bunji Izumi, Marcin Luczkowski, Sverre Magnus Haakonsen, Anders Rønnquist, Bendik Manum

    International Journal of Architectural Computing   2025.7   ISSN:1478-0771

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher:International Journal of Architectural Computing  

    <jats:p>In architectural and structural design, computational methods have transformed the conceptual phase, allowing the exploration of diverse and efficient solutions. This paper introduces a new framework that integrates shape grammar, genetic algorithms, and clustering techniques to optimize structural designs in the early stages of architectural workflows. Unlike traditional optimization methods that aim for a single optimal solution, this approach generates multiple rational design options, balancing structural performance, aesthetics, and project constraints. Shape grammar effectively manages complex topologies with intuitive inputs, enabling designers to create varied structural forms while understanding the underlying rules and processes. Algorithmically, shape grammar offers significant design variety while maintaining designer control and insight into each configuration’s production. This research focuses on developing a tool for designing 2D trusses and frame systems, with the aim of creating a functional prototype and verifying its performance through a case study. The method uses shape grammar for initial topologies, clustering algorithms to group similar designs, and genetic algorithms to refine and optimize each cluster. This ensures efficient and diverse designs, providing a strong foundation for future developments. The framework’s effectiveness is demonstrated in a case study of a simplified large-scale convention hall, where these computational techniques generate innovative structural layouts. The results show the framework’s ability to produce diverse designs meeting architectural and structural needs, offering advantages over traditional parametric design. This research contributes to architectural and structural design by providing a powerful tool for early design stages, where multiple options are crucial. The framework enhances the creative potential and aligns with the requirements of structural engineering, such as safety and performance. By promoting efficiency, diversity, and adaptability, this approach can transform the way architects and engineers tackle complex design challenges, leading to more innovative building practices.</jats:p>

    DOI: 10.1177/14780771251352949

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  • STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING OF HISTORICAL TIMBER POST AND BEAM STRUCTURES IN NORWAY AND JAPAN

    Kaori Fujita, Hiroki Ishiyama, Bunji Izumi, Per Berntsen

    World Conference on Timber Engineering 2025   571 - 576   2025   ISBN:9798331320898

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    Publishing type:Research paper (international conference proceedings)   Publisher:World Conference On Timber Engineering 2025  

    This paper present the results of vibration measurement on four Stave Churches in Norway. The study was realized by the joint research team from Norway and Japan. The two countries share important characteristics from the perspective of architecture: the richness in timber resources, technological advancement in timber engineering and the existence of ancient architectural heritage of timber post and beam construction. Four Stave churches in Norway were investigated through multiple monitoring; vibration, temperature, humidity, moisture content measurements and 3D scanning. Fromthese results the application to structural health monitoring on timber architectural heritage is discussed.

    DOI: 10.52202/080513-0071

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  • A Systematic Mapping Study and a Review of the Optimization Methods of Structures in Architectural Design

    Izumi, B., Luczkowski, M., Labonnote, N., Manum, B., R, nnquist, A.

    Buildings   14 ( 11 )   2024   ISSN:2075-5309

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    Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher:Buildings  

    Structural optimization has gained popularity in modern structural design, helping to reduce material consumption while maintaining the structural performance of buildings. This process also significantly influences the architectural appearance, affecting various aspects such as cross-section sizing, structural forms, and the layout of structural members. Beyond minimizing materials or costs, structural optimization can serve as a powerful tool for making architecture more visually appealing. However, with the wide variety of structural optimization methods proposed, gaining a comprehensive overview has become challenging. To address this, a systematic mapping study has been conducted, focusing on methods introduced over the past decade. The relevant journal articles are categorized based on several factors, including types of optimization, materials used, structural typologies, areas of application, and optimization objectives. The results of this study provide both a broad overview of recent developments in structural optimization and valuable insights into research-rich and under-explored areas. Moreover, the paper discusses which types of structural optimization are more relevant when applied as part of the architectural design process. It is suggested that future research should focus on identifying gaps and challenges in effectively applying structural optimization to architectural design, thus enhancing both efficiency and aesthetic potential.

    DOI: 10.3390/buildings14113511

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  • Automation of circular design: A timber building case study

    Haakonsen, S.M., Tomczak, A., Izumi, B., Luczkowski, M.

    International Journal of Architectural Computing   22 ( 3 )   475 - 491   2024   ISSN:1478-0771

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    Publishing type:Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher:International Journal of Architectural Computing  

    As we strive to improve efficiency and minimise environmental impact in the construction industry, it is important to consider how these objectives impact the work and productivity of designers. This article presents a tool to assist designers in matching reclaimed building products with design intent. The demonstration is based on an actual design project of a two-storey public building made of reclaimed timber from disassembled barns. The algorithm’s objective is to propose optimal matching in terms of a structure’s environmental impact without overloading the user with additional work or excess information. The impact includes emissions embodied in material and related to the transportation from the donor site. The algorithm is integrated into the Grasshopper interface for easier use. All the inputs and objectives are quantitative and fully customisable. The user can still assess qualitative characteristics thanks to a graphical representation of the result. The demonstration shows how automation can simplify the design process with reclaimed elements, support traditional design workflows and enable improvements towards a more sustainable construction industry.

    DOI: 10.1177/14780771241234447

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  • PROPOSAL OF INTERACTIVE WORKFLOW FOR CIRCULAR TIMBER STRUCTURE DESIGN

    Marcin Luczkowski, Sverre M. Haakonsen, Artur Tomczak, Bunji Izumi

    World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE 2023)   6   3644 - 3648   2023   ISBN:9781713873297

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    Publishing type:Research paper (international conference proceedings)   Publisher:World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE 2023)  

    The methodology and design methods are often neglected and not discussed as indicators for the popularization of circular design. In this paper, which is part of ongoing research, we propose a design strategy and method for designing a building from reclaimed wooden elements, based on the actual building project case study in Oslo. The design method is a plugin for the Algorithms-Aided Design environment integrated with the database of available reclaimed elements. The plugin is based on algorithms suggesting suitable elements from the database in real-time. This helps the designer in tedious selection processes. Used in the concept and engineering phase of the building process, it can save time and rationalize design choices. The optimization objective is the structural performance and environmental impact of the final structure.

    DOI: 10.52202/069179-0474

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  • Lightweight rigidly foldable canopy using composite materials

    Ando, K. and Izumi, B. and Shigematsu, M. and Tamai, H. and Matsuo, J. and Mizuta, Y. and Miyata, T. and Sadanobu, J. and Suto, K. and Tachi, T.

    SN Applied Sciences   2 ( 12 )   2020   ISSN:25233971

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  • Catalogue of equilibrium forms of structures

    Tamai, H. and Takahashi, K. and Izumi, B. and Shigematsu, M. and Ando, K.

    Iass Symposium 2019 60th Anniversary Symposium of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures Structural Membranes 2019 9th International Conference on Textile Composites and Inflatable Structures Form and Force   2693 - 2700   2019   ISBN:9788412110104

  • Lightweight rigidly foldable canopy using composite materials

    Ando, K. and Izumi, B. and Shigematsu, M. and Tamai, H. and Matsuo, J. and Mizuta, Y. and Miyata, T. and Sadanobu, J. and Suto, K. and Tachi, T.

    Iass Symposium 2019 60th Anniversary Symposium of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures Structural Membranes 2019 9th International Conference on Textile Composites and Inflatable Structures Form and Force   548 - 557   2019   ISBN:9788412110104

  • Design of glulam structure in the concert hall renovation of the existent concrete building

    Izumi, B. and Kurokawa, T. and Koori, Y. and Kouno, T. and Aoyagi, H. and Hatori, T. and Nakamoto, T. and Yamanashi, T.

    Wcte 2016 World Conference on Timber Engineering   2016   ISBN:9783903039001

  • Fire performances of timber-cold formed thin steel plate composite beam

    Izumi, B. and Tani, A. and Toba, N. and Nakashima, K. and Koshihara, M. and Yamanashi, T. and Kohno, M. and Winter, W.

    Wcte 2016 World Conference on Timber Engineering   2016   ISBN:9783903039001

  • Development of frame structures for multistory buildings with partial bending stiffness using timber steel hybrid members with improved fire resistance

    Izumi, B. and Amino, Y. and Chen, C.-J. and Winter, W.

    10th World Conference on Timber Engineering 2008   4   2227 - 2234   2008   ISBN:9781615670888

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Class subject

  • 都市建築デザインスタジオA / Architecture and Urban Design Studio A

    2025.4 - 2025.6   Spring quarter

  • デザインエンジニアリング特論 I / Advanced Theory of Design Engineering I

    2025.4 - 2025.6   Spring quarter

  • 建築設計基礎演習A / Basic Exercises in Architectural Design A

    2025.4 - 2025.6   Spring quarter

  • デザインエンジニアリング学特論Ⅳ

    2025.12 - 2026.2   Winter quarter

  • 都市建築デザインスタジオC

    2025.10 - 2025.12   Fall quarter

  • デザインエンジニアリング学特論Ⅲ

    2025.10 - 2025.12   Fall quarter

  • 都市建築デザインスタジオB

    2025.6 - 2025.8   Summer quarter

  • デザインエンジニアリング学特論Ⅱ

    2025.6 - 2025.8   Summer quarter

  • 特別研究

    2025.4 - 2026.3   Full year

  • 博士論文指導演習

    2025.4 - 2026.3   Full year

  • 都市建築デザインスタジオA

    2025.4 - 2025.6   Spring quarter

  • 建築設計基礎演習A

    2025.4 - 2025.6   Spring quarter

  • デザインエンジニアリング学特論Ⅰ

    2025.4 - 2025.6   Spring quarter

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Visiting, concurrent, or part-time lecturers at other universities, institutions, etc.

  • 2025  Norwegian University of Science and Technology  Classification:Part-time faculty  Domestic/International Classification:Overseas