site.btaArchitect Hiroto Kobayashi Gives Lecture at Sofia's University of Architecture

In a lecture hosted by the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACG) here on Thursday, Japanese architect Prof. Hiroto Kobayashi presented his vision for the role of architecture in supporting communities while balancing with nature.

Kobayashi is a lecturer at Keio University in Tokyo and is the author of the exterior design of the Bulgarian pavilion at Expo 2025 that took place in Osaka. In May, the Japanese city hosted the presentation of the issue of BTA's LIK magazine dedicated to Bulgaria and world exhibitions.

The architect showed innovative ideas in Japanese architecture. He presented the so-called Veneer House project - a house built of thin wood that would help people affected by earthquakes, tsunamis or war. He believes that public housing should be accessible due to the unpredictability of the future.

Kobayashi said that the wisdom of tradition can be integrated into architecture through modern technologies. In his buildings, he uses a traditional old technique for joining wood without additional materials such as glue or nails.

The Veneer House project is an accessible and inexpensive way to help people in need, as it uses a natural resource – plywood laminated panels. The houses are easy to build independently using a specific construction system, which also engages the community, bringing people together through collaborative creation, the Japanese architect noted.

The lecture also featured the Bulgarian team that created the interior and overall concept of the pavilion in Osaka. They shared details about their work and the challenges they faced during the project.

The event on Thursday was held with the support of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria, the UACG, the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria, the Embassy of Bulgaria in Japan, and the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency. BTA is a media partner.

Prof. Hiroto Kobayashi at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Sofia, September 11, 2025 (BTA Photo/Sevdalin Tlachenski)