shigeru ban’s LVMH community center for the children of fukushima

shigeru ban’s LVMH community center for the children of fukushima
all images courtesy of the voluntary architects’ network

three years after the original ‘kodomo art maison community center’ was destroyed by japan’s 2011 earthquake, the structure has been completely rebuilt by pritzker-winning architect shigeru ban. completed with the aid of the voluntary architects’ network, the redesign has been funded by multinational luxury goods company LVMH as part of an initiative to support the fukushima’s children.

the redesign has been funded by LVMH as part of an initiative to support the region’s children

the program is articulated around a central atrium, with photovoltaic panels positioned across the angled roof canopy. inside the donut-shaped building, latticed walls contain a range of children’s book in an expansive library. above, a mezzanine level provides further floor space for various cultural activities.

greenery grows along the glazed walls in small planters, bringing an element of nature into the design

greenery grows along the glazed walls in small planters, bringing an element of nature into the design. grown by local residents, the vegetable gardens facilitate a sense of community, still being restored in the wake of the country’s devastating earthquake.

inside the donut-shaped building, latticed walls contain a range of children’s book in an expansive library

the program is articulated around a central atrium, with photovoltaic panels positioned across the angled roof canopy

a single tree grows in the center of the scheme’s external courtyard