Noriaki Okabe

2.1. Childhood and Academic Background

Noriaki Okabe was born in 1947 in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. His early education included attending Tokyo Metropolitan Ryogoku High School. He then pursued higher education at Waseda University, graduating from the Department of Architecture within the Faculty of Science and Engineering in 1971. Following his graduation, he gained initial professional experience working at Yamashita Sekkei, a prominent architectural firm.

2.2. Early International Experience

In 1972, Okabe embarked on a significant international journey, moving to France as a recipient of a French government scholarship, which lasted until 1973. This period marked the beginning of his influential collaboration with the celebrated Italian architect Renzo Piano. Working alongside Piano in both France and Italy, Okabe gained invaluable experience in diverse architectural contexts. His dedication and expertise in France were recognized when he became a French government-certified architect in 1986, a testament to his strong foundation and early achievements in the European architectural landscape.

3.1. Collaboration with Renzo Piano

Okabe's career took a decisive turn with his extensive two-decade-long collaboration with Renzo Piano. This partnership began in 1974 when he joined the design team for the groundbreaking Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, a project that redefined modern museum architecture with its visible structural and mechanical systems. The Centre Pompidou became a vibrant public cultural space, reflecting an innovative approach to urban integration.

In 1977, Okabe co-founded Piano + Rice Associati, further solidifying his partnership with Piano. By 1981, he was appointed Chief Architect at Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) in Paris, where he played a pivotal role in various international projects. His collaboration culminated in his appointment as the representative director of Renzo Piano Building Workshop Japan in 1988, a position he held until 1994. During this period, Okabe led the design and construction supervision of the Kansai International Airport Terminal Building, a monumental project that won an international competition. The Terminal Building, completed in 1994, is recognized globally for its innovative structure and efficient flow, serving millions of passengers annually as a critical piece of public infrastructure. A model of the building's main structural truss is notably held in the Museum of Modern Art's Architecture and Design department.

3.2. Founding Noriaki Okabe Architecture Network

After his significant tenure with Renzo Piano Building Workshop Japan, Okabe established his independent practice, Noriaki Okabe Architecture Network, in Tokyo in 1995. This marked the beginning of a new chapter where he expanded his architectural work into the field of industrial design, notably contributing to public transportation. His independent work also included international collaborations, such as the design of the Belgian Embassy in Tokyo in 2009, where he collaborated with Belgian architect Jean-Michel Jaspers and landscape architect Aldrik Heirman.

3.3. Academic Contributions

Alongside his professional practice, Noriaki Okabe has made substantial contributions to architectural education. In 1998, he was appointed a professor at Kobe Design University. His academic endeavors culminated in 2007 when he earned a Doctorate in Engineering from Kobe Design University, further cementing his expertise and influence in both practical and theoretical aspects of design. As a professor, he has undoubtedly guided and inspired many aspiring architects, emphasizing the importance of innovative and socially conscious design.

4.1. Architectural Projects

Okabe's architectural projects are often characterized by their structural innovation, functional efficiency, and contribution to public utility.

• Kansai International Airport Terminal Building (1994, Osaka): This seminal work, designed under Renzo Piano Building Workshop Japan, is a landmark in airport architecture. Okabe was responsible for its design and construction supervision, ensuring the creation of a vast, efficient, and user-friendly gateway for international travel. The building's advanced structural engineering and light-filled spaces contribute to a positive experience for the traveling public.
• Ushibuka Haiya Bridge (1997, Amakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture): This bridge is not only an important piece of infrastructure connecting communities but also an example of architectural elegance integrated into its natural surroundings. It was recognized as a participant in the Kumamoto Artpolis project.
• Valeo Unisia Transmissions Atsugi factory (2000, Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture): This industrial facility demonstrates Okabe's ability to apply sophisticated design principles to functional industrial architecture, optimizing workflow and creating a conducive environment for manufacturing.
• Housing in Sakura-shinmachi (2002, Setagaya, Tokyo): This project showcases his work in residential architecture, focusing on creating harmonious living spaces within an urban context.
• Ichinomiya Town Agricultural/Forestry/Fishery Product Processing Facility & Direct Sales Office "Shikisai" (2003, Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture): This facility, also part of the Kumamoto Artpolis initiative, supports local industries and provides a direct interface for consumers, blending agricultural function with community space.

• Belgian Embassy (2009, Tokyo, Japan): A collaborative effort that reflects international architectural dialogue, providing a dignified and functional space for diplomatic relations.
• COLONY Hakone (2017, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture): This project likely integrates hospitality or residential functions with the natural beauty of the Hakone region.

4.2. Industrial Design

Noriaki Okabe is particularly renowned for his industrial designs, especially his contributions to train design, which have significantly enhanced the aesthetic and functional aspects of public transportation in Japan.

• Odakyu Romancecar 50000 series VSE (2004): This train pioneered a new era for Odakyu's limited express services with its distinctive elevated driver's cab and observation decks, offering panoramic views. It received the Good Design Award in 2005 and the Blue Ribbon Award in 2005 from the Japan Railfan Club. The VSE provided a luxurious and engaging travel experience for the public before its regular service ended in 2022, with full retirement in 2023.

• Odakyu Romancecar 60000 series MSE (2007): Designed for both limited express and through-service on subways, the MSE features a more versatile design capable of operating on multiple lines. It was awarded the Good Design Award in 2008 and the Blue Ribbon Award in 2008, reflecting its success in adapting luxurious features to urban commuting and longer-distance travel.

• Hakone Tozan Railway 3000 series "Allegra" (2014): This train, designed for the steep gradients of the Hakone Tozan Line, features large windows that immerse passengers in the scenic landscape, enhancing the tourist experience.

• Oyama Kanko Dentetsu Oyama Cable Car new vehicle (2015): Demonstrating his versatility, Okabe also designed the new vehicles for this cable car line, crucial for accessing Mount Oyama and its pilgrimage sites, further enhancing public access to natural and cultural heritage.
• Odakyu Romancecar 30000 series EXEα (2017): This was a refurbishment program for the existing EXE series trains, updating their interiors and exteriors to align with the modern Romancecar fleet, improving comfort and aesthetics for passengers.
• Odakyu Romancecar 70000 series GSE (2018): The Grand Super Express (GSE) continued the tradition of providing an exceptional travel experience with large, continuous windows and comfortable seating. It received the Good Design Award in 2018 and the Blue Ribbon Award in 2018, emphasizing its contribution to the passenger experience on Odakyu's express routes.