Case Study: Ishibashi, Tokugawa & Associates, Architects achieves award-winning floating temple design with Vectorworks

At the Forefront of New Japanese Design

Ishibashi, Tokugawa & Associates is a Tokyo-based architectural firm founded in 1985 that blends traditional Japanese forms with modern Western techniques. Tasked with designing the Jigenzan Jyoganji Tendaishu temple in Nagoya, the team needed to honor historic flared tiled roofs and ceremonial use while creating a lighter, more versatile structure that could also support contemporary comforts and events.

Using Vectorworks Architect to develop precise conoid-curved roof geometry and working at multiple scales in one model, the firm substituted heavy timber anchors with iron, steel and glass supports to achieve a floating, airy temple set over water and added air conditioning and seating for multiuse. The resulting design won major honors — including the AACA Award and other merit awards — earned praise for its novel curved roofs and evening “temple of light” effect, and benefited from a more efficient digital design workflow.