Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Taiwan (China)
Daisuke Nagatomo graduated from Meiji University in Tokyo, and decided to pursue his passion of architecture at Columbia University, where he received master degree in advanced architectural design. Nagatomo began his career in the metropolitan New York area with architecture firms, including TEN Arquitectos and Design Office for Research and Architecture. He was the invited researcher for FabLab House project at IaaC, Barcelona from 2009 to 2010 where he holds research diploma. Nagatomo is currently the assistant professor of National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan as well as adjunct faculty member of Tokyo Denki University. Nagatomo has taught several schools including Pratt Institute (New York), Tokyo University of Science, and Keio University. Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Newsroom
Featured Designs
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Container Installation Art
Arrival is a temporary light installation built from two vertically stacked recycled shipping containers. The containers form a narrow walkable passage with curved steel surfaces inspired by the bow of a ship entering a harbor. Mirrors at both ends reflect the city, the sea, and the visitors, blurring the boundary between real space and reflection. Integrated LED lighting and a mist system activate the passage during evening hours. Arrival shows how retired industrial materials can become an immersive public artwork.
A' Lighting Projects and Light Art Design Award - Bronze (2026) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Container Installation Art Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Art Installation
The Luo Shan Feng is not only the wind but also the driving force of life for the local people. After learning to live with the wind, they also develop a lifestyle that suits local conditions. Under the strong wind, to create a soothing atmosphere, the shape is considered to be arc-shaped. Through works of art, the wind can blow away the fatigue in life and let people dance with the wind. The work uses bamboo and steel bars as the primary materials, and LED light strips are placed around them. The swirl-like shape attracts people into the space and becomes a space for tourist interaction.
A' Lighting Projects and Light Art Design Award - Golden (2023) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Art Installation Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Classroom Renovation
The specialized classroom serves as an experimental environment where children engage in fundamental scientific practices such as observation, inquiry, hypothesis generation, experimentation, and inference drawing within the natural realm. As education evolves, classrooms must adapt to contemporary needs. In addition to updating essential equipment, provisions for convenient access to and from the classroom are imperative. Spatial reconfigurations aim to facilitate increased interaction between teachers and students, fostering a relaxed and conducive learning atmosphere.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Silver (2024) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Classroom Renovation Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Exhibition
Living Reef is a public exhibition that presents research on sustainable design. The exhibition shows work made with Direct Ink Writing 3D printing and circular materials, including recycled slurry, low carbon cement and clay. Small scale fired clay prototypes and large printed components are displayed on plinths and in enclosed cabinets. The layout follows a clear route, from concept development and digital modeling to material tests, fabrication limits and final prototypes. The aim is to explain how design education can support circular material use and coral reef restoration.
A' Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Award - Iron (2026) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Exhibition Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Residential Interior
Between Forest and Light is the interior design of a four-story private residence organized to connect domestic functions with the surrounding landscape. The layout arranges communal and private spaces vertically, allowing each floor to align with specific views and daylight conditions. Stone, wood, and glass define transitions between areas and regulate transparency. Indirect lighting and concealed systems keep surfaces clear. The design emphasizes spatial sequencing, visual framing, and light control to bring the forest setting into everyday living.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Iron (2026) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Residential Interior Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Library
Ripple of Knowledge is a school library interior located in Taipei City. The concept of ripples serves as the central theme of the design. Curved elements define the different zones, while low cabinets work as storage, seating and space dividers, keeping the space open and visually continuous. Curved cabinets and flowing light strips guide circulation. A curved counter faces the main entrance at the center, so the librarian can oversee all areas. A corner with long curved bookshelves, a projector and a screen forms a stage for teaching and events.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Bronze (2025) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Library Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Math Institute
Art and Numeracy Academy is an interior design for a children's mathematics learning center in Taipei City. The space covers about 200 square meters and hosts after school courses that link mathematics, art and science. The layout combines squares, triangles and circles with curved forms inspired by branching tree structures. Light wood textures and bright tones create a calm and modern learning environment. A multifunctional area under a large tree form supports reading and group work. Sinks and restrooms are placed at child friendly heights.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Bronze (2025) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Math Institute Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Circular Economy Exhibition
We Transforming is an exhibition design about the circular economy. The layout guides visitors from a linear economy past, through a transforming present, to a sustainable future. The content is divided into seven themed zones: food, product life cycle, new business models, fabric, architecture, infrastructure and sustainable lifestyle. The main structure uses a modular shelf system, which makes the exhibition nearly 90 percent recyclable. All display materials and fabrics are given a second life after the event. The total area is 1123 square meters.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Silver (2023) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Circular Economy Exhibition Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Cultural Learning Space
Harmony is a cultural learning space created inside a historic tea factory at National Kuan Hsi Senior High School in Hsinchu, Taiwan. The school was founded in 1924 with an agricultural focus. The renovated area covers 352 square meters. Flexible and modular planning, interdisciplinary collaboration zones, and immersive digital media support situational teaching. Old tea processing equipment and the preserved tea throwing opening are transformed into artistic installations. Reusing old equipment and furniture reduces waste and joins historical texture with modern design.
A' Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design Award - Iron (2025) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Cultural Learning Space Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Office Interior
Arup Taipei is an office interior created for the regional office of an international engineering company in Taipei. The plan covers 283 square meters and includes a reception, an open working area with more than forty desks, meeting rooms, a pantry, a bar area and a breastfeeding room. Bright orange and red brand colors are painted on four columns near the entrance, where the company mark is placed. Cement-textured walls and hanging strip lights refer to design, engineering and construction. A green moss wall in the reception area expresses sustainable design.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Bronze (2024) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Office Interior Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Classroom Renovation
Renai Art Lab is a renovated art classroom for school students. The 75 square meter space is divided into a stage area and a teaching area. The stage allows students to present work instead of only watching lessons. Behind the stage, a yellow unit offers storage and an alcove where children can read and explore. The teaching area is painted brick red to encourage learning and creativity. A large interactive monitor is used for drawing, presentation and motion graphics. The interior was built with wood carpentry and on-site painting.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Bronze (2024) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Classroom Renovation Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Health Center
Love Infirmary is a renovated health center inside an elementary school in Taipei, Taiwan. The original space had insufficient circulation, a dark interior, and inadequate storage for medical equipment. The new interior follows a biophilic approach, with more natural light, natural textures and materials, and smooth curved surfaces. Circular forms define each function, including the nurse's office, beds, breastfeeding rooms, and counter. Most surfaces have an alcohol-resistant finish for easy cleaning. The layout gives students a clear path to treatment.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Bronze (2023) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Health Center Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Lighting Installation
Hitobito is a lighting installation created for a lantern festival held in Taipei City in 2023. The structure is inspired by the Chinese character for person, formed by two members that support each other. Two narrow entrances lead visitors inside, where the paths merge into one larger space. A projector at the center casts a motion graphic onto the floor. A manually bent steel pipe frame is painted white and clad with woven bamboo dowels of one centimeter width. The installation measures 9.8 meters wide, 7.8 meters deep and 3.5 meters high.
A' Lighting Projects and Light Art Design Award - Bronze (2023) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Lighting Installation Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Art Installation
Three Tree is a temporary art installation developed for the art event in Taipei. The art installation employs digital technology and bamboo dowels, which is the traditional Asian crafting material. Three Tree coheres the NTNU museum neighborhood rich cultural and ecological background and welcomes visitors to discover exciting cultural exchange.
A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award - Silver (2021) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Art Installation Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Art Installation
Hitobito is an art installation created for the lantern festival held in Taipei City in 2023. The structure draws inspiration from the Chinese character for a person, formed by two members supporting each other. Two small entrances merge into one larger space, where a projector at the center casts motion graphics onto the ground. The manually bent steel pipe frame is clad with bamboo dowels one centimeter wide, joining traditional Asian weaving with an industrial structure. The installation measures 9.8 meters wide, 7.8 meters deep and 3.5 meters high.
A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award - Iron (2023) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Art Installation Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Art Installation
Pulse is a lighting installation created for the 2022 Taiwan Lantern Festival in the national Weiwuying park in Kaohsiung. The installation expresses the emotional states of new immigrants through light and sound. The structure is made of steel tubes, with fiber mesh fixed on each tube between a top ring and a waved base. LED light strips are digitally controlled to follow background music composed for the work. The pavilion is illuminated at sunset, and a three minute light show is presented every thirty minutes. Pulse measures 7 meters wide, 7.8 meters deep and 5.8 meters high.
A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award - Bronze (2022) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Art Installation Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Gender Neutral Toilet
Equality is a gender neutral public toilet located in Banqiao Station, New Taipei City. The 80 square meter space has a ceiling height of 2.7 meters and is built with ceramic tiles and high density plastic partition walls. An air duct in each stall creates negative pressure and removes odors. A signal indicator at the entrance shows which stalls are free and their type, including urinal, western, eastern and accessible. A central sink counter is set at a child friendly height, and a mirror green wall is fed with gray water from the sink.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Iron (2022) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Gender Neutral Toilet Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Residential Interior
Tian Ling Villa is a residential interior design located at the edge of Taoyuan county in Taiwan, surrounded by mountain views. The ground floor is kept open and holds a kitchen with a large island facing the front yard and a dining table beside a large glass door. The ceiling has a curved edge that softens the rectangular shape of the rooms. Natural materials are used, including marble, wood surfaces and ceramic tiles. Dark gray stone panels line the game room, which becomes a guest room through a glass sliding door. Large windows frame the garden view.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Bronze (2021) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Residential Interior Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Residential Dwelling
S90 Residence is a two-generation dwelling located in the northern part of Tainan County, Taiwan. The house is built with a steel structure and an exterior panel finish. The sloped roof is angled for good sun exposure, so photovoltaic solar panels can be added later. The white facade matches the green fields around the site and reduces heat gain from strong direct sunlight. The plan holds three functions: a shared public space, a second floor for the young couple, and a single story volume for the parents. The total development area is 324 square meters.
A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award - Iron (2021) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Residential Dwelling Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Living Lab
Future is Now is an event space in Taipei created to share ideas about sustainable living and the circular economy. The interior uses second-hand wooden pallets, cleaned and sanded for safety, as vertical planters by the windows and as movable modular seating. A large ceiling installation is made from recycled film taken from an LED screen. Construction followed a low-landfill approach, and most waste was sorted for recycling. All elements are reused or recycled after the program. The space measures 11.2 by 16 meters, with a ceiling height of 3 meters.
A' Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Award - Bronze (2020) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Living Lab Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Console
Cotton Spate is a display console designed for a pop-up store. The console presents a small number of products so that attention stays on each item. Its form is inspired by fields of organic Pima cotton flowers, which grow beside a lake in Peru. A white three-dimensional wavy surface holds thin circular metal plates that carry the items. The wavy part is high-density foam shaped by hand from a computer model, and the plates are white painted metal. The counter and the outer enclosure are made of wood. Storage space is placed under the wavy surface.
A' Furniture Design Award - Iron (2020) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Console Press Kit
Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Office Lobby and Cafeteria
Vibes is an office lobby and cafeteria interior created for a machine manufacturing company in Hsinchu, Taiwan. The design is inspired by the flow of digital information and uses clean and fluid forms. Glass, stone, ceramics and wood are applied as interior finishes. Digitally milled wood louvers rise through the open vertical space of the lobby. An opening between the two floors supports communication between staff. The basement cafeteria uses warm wood surfaces and opens toward the courtyard. A blue accent color renews the corporate image.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Iron (2020) - Access Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Office Lobby and Cafeteria Press Kit