A Message from Shigeru Ban
The site is located at the northern tip of Awaji Island, nestled between the sea and gently rising hills, with views across the water toward Kobe, Osaka, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
To reflect the two distinct views, contrasting façades were designed for the east and west sides. These two linear architectural forms, each with its own unique character, are unified through a D-shaped floor plan centered around a naturally lit atrium space.
On the seaside, the seawall serves as a base, above which a transparent façade highlights four layers of horizontal slabs, creating a seamless continuity between the interior, exterior, and surrounding scenery.
In contrast to the horizontal emphasis of the seaside façade, the mountainside façade features symbolic, almost classical vertical rhythms expressed through a wooden colonnade. At the center, a large wooden canopy and grand staircase welcome guests into the building.
On the second-floor atrium, a 'picture window' with colossal sliding glass doors opens fully, visually and physically merging the interior space with the ocean view and drawing guests into another world.
Shigeru Ban
