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Marine Life of Inujima
Spring 2026 Third year MArch Studio
In collaboration with Laura Ellis
Instructors Kazuyo Sejima & Toshihiro Oki
Inujima, Japan

Our proposal began with research into the history of Inujima. By comparing maps from 1947 to the present, we observed how the island's shoreline has gradually changed, leading us to see it as an evolving condition rather than a fixed boundary. Inspired by the Japanese concept of Satoumi, which promotes the coexistence of people and marine life, we developed a design that strengthens the relationship between the island and the surrounding sea. Developing on Inujima's history of fishing and seaweed farming, as well as recent educational initiatives of revitalizing japan’s coastal ecosystems by Prada and National Geographic through the Prada Re-Nylon 2026 program, it introduces a series of water-based learning experiences that foster environmental awareness and reconnect people with marine ecosystems.

Each program responds to a different shoreline condition and offers a unique way to engage with the water through activities such as observation, collection, and direct interaction. The circulation and spatial organization of each shelter were carefully designed around these experiences, resulting in forms that reflect their specific functions. Gathering spaces encourage interaction between visitors and local residents while providing opportunities to share traditional knowledge of the marine environment with future generations. The design also responds to changing tides, allowing people and marine life to occupy the same spaces at different times of the day. To minimize environmental impact, the project uses simple structures of wood and slender steel columns, reducing disturbance to natural habitats while reinforcing a close relationship between architecture and nature.

Site Plan Showing Five Activity Locations and a Marine Life Learning Center Along the Island's Edge
Shelfish Learning

The shellfish learning area allows people to interact with the water and sand while learning about local shellfish. Meanwhile during high tide, it creates a habitat that supports shellfish and strengthens the local marine ecosystem.

Fishing & Seaweed Farming

Connected to the existing seaweed beds, this fishing area integrates fishing, farming, and community into daily life, allowing people to fish from boats at high tide and from the shore while harvesting seaweed at low tide.
Snorkeling / Scuba Diving / Observation


This is where learning happens below the surface. It reveals what is usually invisible. Some people can snorkel or dive, while others observe through the architecture, making the underwater ecology visible to a wider audience.

 Moving Classroom

The moving classroom extends the learning experience from the existing Nature House into the sea. Through the glass floor, students and visitors observe the underwater world while the surrounding views constantly change. Surrounded by water, learning becomes immersive. When seated, children focus on the workshop and the world below. When standing, their view expands to the sea and the island.

Eelgrass planting

Eelgrass planting restores marine habitats through participation. Visitors and residents help plant eelgrass while learning how it improves water quality and supports marine life. Docks, eelgrass storage, and planting areas create a gentle intervention that works with the shallow water and strengthens the ecosystem over time. Visitors reach this remote side of the island by boat from the Marine Life Learning Center.
Marine Life Learning Center

Marine Life Learningcenter is the main gathering and learning hub. It is where people arrive, wait, learn, and prepare before exploring the water. With a café, waiting area, workshop, and souvenir shop, it connects the ferry arrival to the marine learning network and serves as its starting point.

Details

Simple structures and minimal construction help support the ecosystem by reducing carbon emissions and minimizing disturbance to natural habitats. Wood and thin steel columns are used as the primary structural materials to minimize environmental impact.
Design Process & Studio Trip

Early version of Shellfish Learning Area
Early second-stage design scheme exploring a natural bamboo platform system that encourages engagement with shoreline activities between land and sea.
First-stage design scheme exploring floating follies that extend people's activities from the land into the sea.
First-stage design scheme physical model
Sketching on Shinkansen Train
Bamboo Workshop on Inujima
Nishinoyama House in Kyoto
Shibaura House in Tokyo
First Review in SANAA’s office during Studio Trip, February 2026
Second Review in SANAA’s office during Studio Trip,  February 2026



© 2026 Tylor Chu