Hokkaido
This project is located in the harbor area of Otaru city in Hokkaido.
Otaru city as one of Japan’s most important ports was once known as the center of the country’s herring fishing industry. With the decline of this industry a redevelopment project along the harbor called “Harbor for Citizens” has been started about 10 years ago.
This project is planned as it’s catalyst. In this project, which was required to become the “symbol” of the revitalized port, the propose is to figure out, as a symbol of a quiet distribution base, what brings lively atmosphere to the space is people’s activity.
In the architecture, wall pillars with holes stand together in a transparent space, just as coral reefs attract fish, fish being sucked into the gaps between seaweeds. The wall pillars are arranged across the roof line at an angle of 45 degrees in the direction of the future of the harbor, creating movement and expanding the space beyond the boundaries of the architecture. The rooftop will be a full deck, making it a park-like place. It is a proposal for architecture as a base, where people will gradually return and gather to the port.
