In this very cold and snowy region, the aim of the project is to gather a cultural and an educational centre around an indoor and an outdoor public space. This is to be achieved by searching carefully for a complementary identity with the existing public facilities in the town such as a cultural centre, theatre, community centre and local government city hall.
A link is also made between those facilities and the new building, by relocating the bus stop near to the main reception which encourages commuters to use the building.
A traditional Japanese room, an atelier for cooking, children's nurse space, a multi-functional theatre, a lounge with citizen's handcrafts workshop, a lecture room, a conference room, a projection space, an open study space, all these functions are gathered around a central open space. These new cultural and educational spaces can expand into the indoor public space, stimulating interactions between the public and the on-going activities.
The outdoor square connects the new architecture with the neighbourhood which also hosts seasonal festivals and temporary shops.
Status : competition, Finalist
Client: Kita-Akita City
Architects: Shoichi Haryu Architect & Associates, subcontracting with SHSH
