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Fujita Lab
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The lab studies the seismic resistance of traditional timber architecture such as five-story pagodas and temples.
AboutAbout the lab
Uncovering the strength of traditional timber architecture
The Fujita Lab studies the structural characteristics of traditional timber architecture, particularly its strength against earthquakes (seismic resistance).
The lab uses documents to investigate the damage historic timber buildings have suffered and their repair histories, and conducts field surveys of buildings in Japan and overseas.
It also continues structural monitoring, measuring vibrations at five-story pagodas, gates, main halls of temples, and other buildings to keep track of their condition.
The lab also takes part in joint research with overseas universities, such as a survey of wooden churches in Norway.
Key terms
- Seismic resistance
- The ability of a building to withstand the shaking of an earthquake without being destroyed
- Bracket sets (kumimono)
- The part under the eaves of temples and similar buildings where wooden members are assembled on top of the columns to support the weight of the roof
- Structural monitoring
- Continuously measuring vibrations and other responses of a building to keep track of changes in its structural performance and condition
NewsLab news
View More ↗ResearchResearch themes
The lab studies the structural characteristics of traditional timber architecture, particularly its seismic resistance. Through document and field surveys, experiments, and analysis, it verifies the structural performance of historic timber buildings.
*Illustrative imageHistory of Damage and Repairs, and Field Surveys
The lab investigates the history of damage and repairs to historic timber buildings from documents, clarifying the damage caused by earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis. It also analyzes the soundness and structural performance of buildings in Japan and overseas through field surveys.
*Illustrative imageExperiments on Components and Buildings, and Vibration Measurement
The lab verifies structural performance through experiments on components such as joints, walls, and bracket sets, and on whole buildings such as five-story pagodas and houses. Recently, it has also been conducting on-site vibration measurements at five-story pagodas, gates, main halls of temples, and other buildings.
*Illustrative imageAnalysis and Discussion of Results
The lab verifies the results obtained from surveys and experiments through analysis, and analyzes and discusses the structural performance of the buildings. The results are then discussed at research meetings, and the analysis is taken further.
*Illustrative imageDevelopment of Reinforcement Methods
The lab develops methods for reinforcing existing timber buildings. It is studying a method of reinforcing openings that also takes visual design into account, jointly with Tokyo Metropolitan University, Kyushu University, and others.
MembersFaculty
The members of the Fujita Lab consist of faculty, project specialists, and doctoral, master's, and undergraduate students.As of 2025
- ProfessorKaori FujitaPublications ↗
- Assistant ProfessorTakahiro Toyoda
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Tajri LabFaculty of Engineering, Department of ArchitectureBuilding structures / seismic engineering, reinforced concre…The information on this page is compiled by the LabLog team from the lab's public information and interviews. For corrections or removal requests, please contact LabLog, not the lab.
Report an errorAbout the images
The top and research theme images are illustrative and were not taken at the lab. They are cropped from Wikimedia Commons images. Cropped CC BY-SA images are provided under the same CC BY-SA license as the original (version shown on each line).
- Top image: “Zentsuji Zentsu-ji Garan Five-storied Pagoda 5” Zairon / CC BY 4.0 (cropped)
- History of Damage and Repairs, and Field Surveys: “Kencho ji BuildingII” Tarourashima / Public domain (cropped)
- Experiments on Components and Buildings, and Vibration Measurement: “Tsumegumi Butsuden Kenchouji” Urashimataro / CC0 (cropped)
- Analysis and Discussion of Results: “Borgund Stave Church interior” Stevan Nicholas / CC BY 2.0 (cropped)
- Development of Reinforcement Methods: “Akamon, University of Tokyo 2019” Kakidai / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Koshihara Lab): “20100724 Iwakuni 5235” Jakub Hałun / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Yamada-Iyama Lab): “Steel frame structure” Wikideas1 / CC0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Asai Lab): “2010 Chile earthquake - Building destroyed in Concepción” Claudio Núñez / CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Tajri Lab): “Fukuoka Growth Next the seismic retrofit carried out on the former Daimyō Elementary School building Fukuoka 20241231” Hirho / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
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