osamu morishita architect & associates: aron R & D center

‘aron R & D center’ by osamu morishita architect & associates, aichi, japan image © tamotsu kurumadaall images courtesy of osamu morishita architect & associates

japanese firm osamu morishita architect & associates have recently completed the ‘aron R & D center’ in shinpou, japan, to provide a location to brainstorm and create innovative ideas for the international plastics manufacturing company. the overall rectangular footprint can be reduced down to its smallest modular steel unit, the hexagon. this tessellated shape fosters free-flowing circulation through a series of flexible spaces that allow for constant re-adaptation. double-height sections communicate with two-storey modules around outdoor gardens through a simplicity in connection.

the redundant construction strategy benefits from a compartmental set of volumes climatically controlled through sun-heated reservoirs and thermal mass in the stone gabion walls. a designed air space in the roof structure helps control internal temperatures while the outer membrane collects rainwater for recycling, while interspersed green courtyards and towers help to cool ambient air temperature.

‘aron R & D center’ has been shortlisted in the ‘production/energy/recycling’ category of the 2012 world architecture festival. see the complete list of this year’s nominated projects here.

approach from the streetimage © tamotsu kurumada

entrance green space

gabion wallimage © tamotsu kurumada

interior of gabion wall

entranceimage © tamotsu kurumada

office spacesimage © tamotsu kurumada

hallway with a green towerimage © tamotsu kurumada

courtyard and ramped walkways from interior

walkways around courtyardimage © tamotsu kurumada

paths through green space

courtyardimage © tamotsu kurumada

(left) courtyard (right) green tower and bridgeimages © tamotsu kurumada

(left) interior space and green tower (right) green towerimages © tamotsu kurumada

(left) meeting room (right) interiorimages © tamotsu kurumada

library and meeting spaceimage © tamotsu kurumada

meeting roomimage © tamotsu kurumada

manufacturing space

presentation room

rooftop deckimage © tamotsu kurumada

aerial view

construction of steel module

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

section – green tower

diagram of sustainable features

concept diagram

model

project info:

location: shinpou, toukai, aichi site area: 22523.21 m2 building area: 6346.53 m2 total floor area: 7039.1 m2 structure: steel frame; 2stories date of completion: august, 2011