Ekdahl Lecture History

Title: Fluid Direction

C+A Coelacanth and Associates

 

Formation and Early Years (1986-1997)

C+A Coelacanth and Associates, originally known simply as 'Coelacanth,' was established in 1986 by a group of seven doctoral students from the Tokyo University Graduate School, including notable architects Kazuhiro Kojima and Yasuyuki Ito. The collective aimed to create innovative and impactful architectural designs, quickly making a name for themselves in the architectural community.

Key Achievements

One of their earliest significant achievements was winning first prize in the international competition for the Osaka International Peace Center in 1990. This project set the tone for the firm's future endeavors, demonstrating their ability to create meaningful and culturally significant architecture.

In 1995, Coelacanth continued their success by designing the Utase Elementary School, a project that further solidified their reputation for excellence. This accomplishment was followed by receiving the prestigious Design Prize of the Architectural Institute of Japan in 1997, a testament to their innovative and high-quality work.

Rebranding and Expansion (1998-2005)

In 1998, the firm rebranded itself as C+A Coelacanth and Associates, reflecting its growth and evolving identity in the architectural world. The rebranding marked a new chapter, emphasizing their continued commitment to excellence and innovation in architecture.

By 2005, C+A had grown significantly, leading to a strategic reorganization into two distinct offices: CAt (C+A Tokyo) and CAn (C+A Nagoya). This reorganization allowed the firm to better manage its expanding portfolio and continue designing cutting-edge architecture both locally and internationally from their bases in Tokyo and Nagoya.

Present Day

Today, C+A Coelacanth and Associates stands as a prominent architectural firm with a rich history of design excellence. The firm's legacy includes a wide range of projects that span various scales and typologies, always maintaining a focus on creating spaces that are not only functional but also culturally and environmentally significant. Through their continued work, C+A remains a leader in the field, consistently pushing the boundaries of architecture and design.