March 24, 2025
On March 19, a completion ceremony was held for the new North Annex, located northwest of Keio University's Mita Campus. The North Annex is situated on a hill in Mita 1-chome, about a five-minute walk from the campus. In addition to being used as a place for education and research, it will also serve as a hub for disseminating knowledge and information.
The ceremony was held in the Innovation Lounge and Meeting Room on the 6th floor of the North Annex, where those involved in the design and construction and Keio University affiliates gathered to celebrate its completion.
At the beginning of the ceremony, President Kohei Itoh presented letters of appreciation to Mr. Toru Kamura, President and CEO of Mitsui Fudosan Residential Co., Ltd., which handled the project management, and to Mr. Masahiko Okada, Representative Director, Executive Vice President, and General Manager of the Administrative Headquarters of Taisei Corporation, which was responsible for the design and construction. President Itoh then spoke of his expectations for new developments, noting that the North Annex will contribute to the further enhancement of educational and research functions, and also mentioned that it is a sustainable space that uses cedar wood from Keio University's school forest in Minamisanriku in various locations.
Congratulatory remarks were given by guest speakers Hiromichi Iwasaki, Chair, Keio University Board of Councillors; President Kamura; and Executive Vice President Okada. Finally, Vice-President Okada expressed his gratitude for the completion and shared his vision for the future, stating, "We want to make the North Annex a place for practicing the 'power of knowledge' that not only creates economic value but also transforms the very way social implementation is carried out."
Afterward, the architect in charge explained the features of the sustainable campus, including the fusion of history and innovation, energy-saving design, highly flexible floor plans, and the use of cedar from Keio University's forest and recycled materials. The attendees then took a tour of the facility. The warm atmosphere created by the cedar wood, the highly expandable ceiling structure, and the studios were showcased.
The North Annex will serve as the stage for various new educational and research projects in the future, fulfilling its role as a "hub for the creation of knowledge" that tackles future challenges together with society.