RICNNM Research Seminar

Moderator:
Prof. Li LI
Professor in the School of Fashion and Textiles
Associate Director of Associate Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary ResearchDirector of RICHNNM

Remarks:
Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seminar 1 (14:30–15:30)
Low-carbon concrete – Material, mechanical properties, structural design, construction, and demolition of buildings

Speaker:

Prof. Minehiro Nishiyama, Professor, Architecture and Architectural Engineering Department, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University

Abstract:

Japan’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2019 were 1.213 billion tons. The cement industry is one of the most significant sources of CO2 emission, which emitted approximately 40 million tons in 2020. It is mainly due to clinker production (CaCO3 à CaO + CO2). The industry has tackled the reduction of CO2 emissions. On the other hand, other types of concrete reduce cement use or do not use cement. They are called low-carbon concrete or environmentally friendly concrete.

This lecture starts with the current situation of CO2 emissions in Japan, followed by how much CO2 is emitted by concrete building construction. Then, it introduces geopolymer concrete as one of the environmentally friendly concretes. Focuses are mainly on mechanical properties such as strength, Young’s modulus, and fire resistance. Discussed also are the structural design, construction, and demolition of buildings regarding CO2 emission and seismic resistance.

Seminar 2 (16:00–16:30)
Design and construction of “Chashitsu” and “Ryouriya” in Kyoto – A portable room for tea ceremonies and an authentic Japanese restaurant

Speaker:

Ms. Kumiko ENYA, Architect, Kumiko Enya First-Class Architect Office

Abstract:

Tearoom “Chashitsu” designed and constructed by Ms Enya in Kyoto will be introduced. The tearoom is portable, ready-to-assemble-and-disassemble with 11 “Fusuma” or sliding doors made of “Kyo-Karakami”. “Kyo-Karakami” is traditional paper printed by applying “Karakami” to a woodblock engraved with beautiful patterns. She will share knowledge about the traditional “Kyo-Karakami” paper used for the sliding doors.

Ms Enya also introduces “Ryoriya”, an authentic small Japanese restaurant in Kyoto designed by herself. Skilled carpenters with conventional Japanese architectural techniques constructed “Ryoriya” under her supervision. Many customers wear kimono and enjoy beautiful cuisine there. Her talk will also be extended to traditional Japanese kimonos.