KUGAYAMA SOUTH GATE BUILDING

Description

This new addition to a chic shopping lane in as western suburb of Tokyo is an experiment on how a commercial building can grow in accord with the area’s greenery and water. The iconic tree shapes on the façade guide rainwater to the basement reservoir and irrigate the plants. The building will evolve over years as the plants grow on these shapes. Like rivers and trees, the design functions as part of the natural water cycle.

Statement of the jury

The wire mesh cover on the façade serves as a climbing frame for the creepers so that the exterior of the building will gradually be covered in greenery. A nice idea that creates a direct connection between architecture and nature which has a positive effect on the urban landscape.