The Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Research Institute, completed in 1982, stands as a distinguished example of modern institutional architecture. Designed by the renowned Urabe Architectural Office, this research facility embodies the principles of functional modernism while serving as a vital center for scientific investigation. Located in Otsu along the shores of Lake Biwa, the building's design thoughtfully integrates its waterfront setting. The structure demonstrates careful attention to laboratory requirements and research operations, reflecting the architect's expertise in creating specialized facilities. The institute represents an important contribution to late twentieth-century Japanese architecture, combining practical efficiency with architectural sophistication in service of environmental research.