Architecture before Architecture - How Models Open Design Thinking

This lecture accompanies the exhibition Architecture Before Architecture — Model Photographs and explores how physical models operate as critical tools for opening architectural and design thinking. Drawing on projects by ONDESIGN - including Yokohama Apartment, International Student Housing like a Town, Living with Large Gaps, House and Vacant Lot, and Tokyo Midori Labo - the lecture examines how models are used to test spatial relationships, scale, and connections to the city before architectural form becomes fixed.

Rather than presenting completed buildings, the lecture foregrounds design as a process of inquiry, highlighting the pedagogical and exploratory value of models within contemporary architectural practice.

The accompanying exhibition Architecture Before Architecture — Model Photographs is on show at the MSD on the east side of the Level 1 Atrium from 11–25 March. Following the lecture, we warmly invite you to join us for the official exhibition opening at 6pm in the Level 1 Atrium. All are welcome to attend.

Osamu Nishida (born 1976, Kanagawa) is the founder of ONDESIGN, an architectural practice based in Yokohama, Japan. The practice employs interactive methods to enhance user creativity and advocates for open, flat design across scales, working on diverse projects ranging from private residences to public and urban spaces. His work explores architecture as a platform for experimentation, communication, and collective gathering.

Major works include Yokohama Apartment (JIA New Designer Award; Special Jury Prize, Venice Biennale), Shonan Port Enoshima Yacht House (Architectural Institute of Japan Annual Architectural Design Commendation), International Student Housing like a Town (Japan Space Design Award, Gold Prize), and Tokyo Midori Labo.

Nishida is an Associate Professor at Tokyo University of Science, and Visiting Professor at Osaka Institute of Technology. He is also a partner at Sotonova. He is the publisher of Beyond Architecture, a media platform dedicated to articulating architecture and culture. His publications include Open Architecture, Let’s Talk About Your Home, Experiments in ON DESIGN, PUBLIC PRODUCE, An Architect’s Life of Enjoying “Mountains” and “Valleys”, Recipes for Creating Fun Public Spaces, Tactical Urbanism, and Temporary Business Architecture Moves the Town!.

From 2025–2026, Nishida is a Visiting Scholar at the Melbourne School of Design, University of Melbourne, hosted by Lecturer Nancy Ji and Associate Professor Derlie Mateo-Babiano.

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Host or Publisher Melbourne School of Design