Insightful Journey to Daikin's Air Conditioner Technologicy in Japan
Insightful Journey to Daikin's Air Conditioner Technologicy in Japan
Japan, June, 10 2024
During this trip, we had the chance to visit the Daikin Technology and Innovation Centre(TIC) in Kyoto and the Daikin factory and headquarters in Osaka.
The most memorable visit was to the TIC. Built in November 2015 with a budget of $340 million, TIC is a world-class research facility. Designed by architects and consultants from Nikken Sekkei Ltd and constructed by the main contractor Takenaka Corporation, TIC focuses on developing AC technology, chemical testing, and AI to address environmental issues.
Hi! I’m Welly Kusumo, and I am the Principal of Cowema Studio. Along with others 14 architect; Cosmas Gozali, Alex Bayusaputro, Tantik Lam, Ary Indra, Budi Pradono, Einstein Atelier, Gerard Tambunan, Dedeoei, Mohammad Hikmat Subarkah, Jessy Limanto, Riri Yakub, Selviyognata, Erlinda Silalahi, and Ronald Suhartono, we recently had the golden opportunity to join a five-day trip to Japan.
For me, this invitation was not due to winning the Daikin Designer Awards 2023 in the built interior category but rather for my positive contributions to the air conditioner industry, particularly for the Daikin brand. Gaining valuable insights and knowledge dan hoping to implement these advanced technologies in Cowema Studio’s future projects, enhancing their sustainability and efficiency.
Daikin, founded by Akira Yamada, is a leading air conditioner manufacturer globally. One of its premium products, Daikin Proshop, specializes in Home Central AC solutions, certified in providing AC solutions using the KAIDAN method.
TIC has five main missions: developing core technologies, advancing core technologies, open innovation collaborative innovation, facilitating industry-government-academia cooperation, and promoting limitless growth of engineers’ skills.
We received a warm welcome from Daikin. They gave us a tour of Daikin’s history, starting from selling the first cooling unit in Japan in 1938 to developing commercial multi-split type AC in 1982.
Inside the hall, we received a presentation about the impressive TIC building. I was particularly impressed with the extraordinary experience provided by Daikin.
The TIC building is designed with the Net Zero Energy Building(ZEB) concept, which effectively uses natural energy. The TIC Forest, functioning as a natural environment, aids in pre-cooling or pre-heating the air entering the building.
The building design features eaves on the exterior walls that reduce direct sunlight by up to 50%, provide brighter rooms from reflected sunlight, and reduce shadows. Other technological features include high insulation, natural ventilation, natural lighting, cool heat trenches, human sensor lighting, and solar panels.
The cooling system in this building uses Daikin VRV and DESICA, utilizing natural energy to create a comfortable and energy-saving space.
After the presentation, the architects were taken to see the TIC Forest and the surrounding TIC area.
TIC is very open to collaboration that supports innovation, allowing companies, universities, and research groups worldwide to contribute in line with Daikin’s vision to provide new value through air and the environment.
I felt highly appreciated to visit TIC, a valuable experience shared by only a few, especially from Indonesia. This visit is hoped to inspire and implement similar technology in Indonesia.
