In the aim of bridging architecture and information technology
Since I was in high school, I've always loved crafting, and I really aspired to share that passion for creating and deepening things with others.
In graduate school, I joined the Architectural Information Laboratory in the Department of Architecture and Urban Design at Ritsumeikan University, and chose to study the application of information technology in architecture. I believed that architecture was not just about designing: I wanted to learn about technology that could support architecture, expand its possibilities, and to be able to contribute to the world of architecture in a versatile way. By the way, I still have a close relationship with associate professor Yamada of the above-mentioned laboratory, as we have students from the laboratory visit KKE to discuss and practice their academic presentations.
When I was a graduate student, I was doing research to support architects in their idea-making process using AI-like auxiliary tools. I actually got the occasion to meet people from KKE during this period. This was at this time that I started considering KKE as one possibility for my future career. KKE has a very wide range of business, including telecommunications, civil engineering and cloud computing. When bridging architecture and information technology, I believe that the more diverse the company's business areas, the greater the potential is, and I strongly felt the appeal of KKE through its versatility.
Achieving innovation, making use of AI and game engines
The department I work in aims to explore in depth technologies that could be useful in the future, such as AI and image analysis. Within this, I am in charge of “knowledge utilisation”.
The first job I was involved in was a consultation from a government office that deals with allocation and estimation of building equipment. The theme was “Application of AI in the Field of Equipment”. At first, I didn't really know where to start, as the topic was quite vague. I worked closely with my senior colleagues, and as they had a lot of knowledge and experience, I learned a lot from them. Their commitment to investigating issues in depth and solving the problem with the client was very inspiring. I probably seemed somewhat unreliable to the client at first, but as I learned from my senior colleagues and gained more experience, I gradually built up a relationship of trust with them.
As part of that work, during my first year in the company, I studied the overall framework of AI technology and put together a report on what kind of proposals could be made. In my second year, I worked on actually implementing those proposals and creating prototypes. I was surprised to find that in the construction field, there was still a lot of analogue data stored on paper or in PDF format; this is why I chose to work on creating a prototype of an app that could read information from those diagrams, such as the number of rooms and their sizes, and turn it into data.
What I'm working on now is the use of game engines. Game engines have the advantage of being easy to use, having high graphics capabilities, and enabling easy connection to new expression technologies such as VR and MR (mixed reality). For example, simulations of mudslides and snow disasters require the use of computer-based visualisation, in order to support understanding among stakeholders and facilitate consensus-building and persuasion. We are also working on the development of applications for systems that read urban spaces and building information as 3D data, from reality.
Become a professional, or work towards “linking”, that’s your choice
There are many professionals at KKE with outstanding skills. The best thing about working here is being able to work with such people. Another strength of the company is the versatility and breadth of the working styles and job content. There are a lot of people who are not afraid to think outside the box and try new things. So, I think this company is suited to people who want to develop their skills, as well as those who have a broad interest in society and want to link people and technology.