Pure Semicircles

School for Seigakusha Co., Ltd.

Pure Semicircles is a preparatory and cram school in Osaka, Japan. The institution focuses on creating a leaning space which stimulates student senses to help them dive into their lessons while still providing a cozy and relaxing environment. The space features semicircular shapes in a variety of aspects and dimensions. The reception space is a semicircle reflecting on a mirrored median wall to become a full circle. The ceiling is covered in a rippled stainless steel that extends the space further onto the third dimensions while being highlighted with a surrounding linear indirect light.

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Pure Semicircles by Tetsuya Matsumoto

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School by Tetsuya Matsumoto

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Tetsuya Matsumoto Pure Semicircles

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Tetsuya Matsumoto School

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Tetsuya Matsumoto Designer Portrait Photo

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Unique Properties

Pure Semicircles is a cram school located in Osaka. The school offers a pure space with minimal lines and shapes where the students can focus on their subjects. Greenery maintains a strong presence to provide a relaxing atmosphere and wood blinds help create warmth in a rather minimalist white space. The main design point is the semicircular entrance with ripples stainless steel ceiling reflecting the space and a mirrored wall in the median that completes the circle.

Tags

Japan, school, education, students, ripple, Osaka, minimalist, reflection, students, office

Production Technology

The space was created using drywall techniques and mostly finished in wall cloth. The ceiling is made with rippled stainless steel sheets. The semicircle reception space has a mirror in the median line that reflects it and completes the circular form. The lighting is secured through linear light sources in the middle of the stainless steel and around it as well. The study room is equipped with downlights.

Design Challenge

The creative challenge was mostly how to make a school fashionable in the eyes of teenage students, fulfil its functional duty, all of this in a relatively narrow space and a relatively limited budget. How to keep a space pure while still making it cozy. How to make it rich in materiality while keeping it minimalist and not distracting. The answer was by using unique materials such as the rippled stainless steel for the ceiling, mirrored walls, greenery, and wood blinds.

Project Duration

Project start: September 2024. Construction starts: December 2024. Project/Construction End: January 2025. Location: Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan.

Operation Flow

The entrance gives straight to a semicircular reception space doubled by a mirrored wall. The reception leads then to the consultation booth where parents, students and staff can talk. The other side is occupied by offices. In the middle the space opens to the study space with a central table and a counter on the window side. Another arched opening leads to the second study room which is a counter along the windows.

Research

Pure Semicircles design has two axes of research. The first one is aimed at guaranteeing an atmosphere where students can focus on learning while still enjoying the space and relaxing. The second one is aimed at visually creating a space that is attractive in a relatively narrow room that is surrounded by windows that overlook the bustling city outside. The quest was to find a middle between the two.

Inspiration

This design is inspired by the function of the space. Schools need to have spaces that provide an atmosphere where students can concentrate on their studies. But they also need to be cozy and offer relaxed and playful places. More than just study desks, schools need to become attractive and interesting to their main users, teenagers who are already building their lives into our contemporary society.

Image Credits

Image #1: photographer ©Stirling Elmendorf Photography, Pure Semicircles, 2025. Image #2: photographer ©Stirling Elmendorf Photography, Pure Semicircles, 2025. Image #3: photographer ©Stirling Elmendorf Photography, Pure Semicircles, 2025. Image #4: photographer ©Stirling Elmendorf Photography, Pure Semicircles, 2025. Image #5: photographer ©Stirling Elmendorf Photography, Pure Semicircles, 2025.

Project Overview

Pure Semicircles School has been a Bronze winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.

Bronze Recognition

Tetsuya Matsumoto was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Pure Semicircles School.

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