kengo kuma connects iiyama plaza cultural complex in japan

kengo kuma connects iiyama plaza cultural complex in japan
all images courtesy of kengo kuma and associates

helping to establish the area as a public hub of activity, ‘iiyama plaza’ is a cultural complex which will be constructed to coincide with the completion of a high speed railway line, connecting the hokuriku region of japan. the building, designed by kengo kuma, features two large halls and a civic community center, providing the local population with a place to congregate.

a covered circulation route connects the scheme’s three primary volumes

the three distinct volumes are independently organized across the plot, and are connected through a covered pathway offering views of external greenery. the largest of the halls is a flexible area designed to accommodate a wide variety of programs. primarily functioning as a performance space, the hall can also form part of the scheme’s circulation route.

large openings help the project establish a close relationship with the surrounding natural landscape

developed to be as open and as welcoming as possible, the site is oriented toward the town center, as well as forming a close relationship with the surrounding natural environment. the scheme will become a catalyst for iiyama, which will benefit from the positive impact the train line will have on the newly connected town’s economy.

a smaller volume forms an intimate performance space

the larger hall at ‘iiyama plaza’

project info:

location: iiyama city, nagano, japan
program: cultural complex
area: 4,000 sqm (43,056 sqf)
scheduled completion: february, 2015