Yokohama International School with a wooden finish inside and out

The design for a single school promotes educational scenarios that encourage diverse interaction among children aged 3 to 18. Yokohama International School is the second school in the world to use international in its name. Founded in 1924 as a coeducational institution, it has approximately 750 students from 54 countries and over 120 faculty members, covering education from early childhood through grade 12. The original school buildings were located in the historic Yamate district, near Harbor View Park in central Yokohama. However, facilities were scattered across residential neighborhoods and could not accommodate growing enrollment. The school board therefore decided to acquire new land in the nearby Honmoku district and build a new campus to meet growing demand. The design for the new campus was selected from numerous submissions by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, and Taisei Corporation won the subsequent design-build competition. The new infrastructure design consolidates all school buildings into one coherent campus that integrates natural materials, abundant daylight, and flexible learning spaces. The project creates a school environment that reflects the international, multicultural identity of its student body while being deeply rooted in the local climate and landscape.