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Kuma, Tokyo, Japan
 
 

Perspective

Explanation of the Architect

The premises consequently take cue from the surrounding wilderness and natural terrain north of the site – the ICC is an architectural dune.

This is an approach that has strong possibilities for unifying diverse and complex programs, beneficially integrating new spaces with nature and natural environmental processes (naturally induced thermal protection, water filtration, etc.), and displaying clear iconography for today’s global society.

In short, this new sort of monumentality relies on nature. A wide public plaza bisects the dune, a gesture that opens the courts to the city. This distinguishes the courthouses from the rest of the programs, and frames the landscape toward the north with trees and a reflecting pool.

Opinion of the Jury

The Jury considered the design approach creating the building as part of landscape - 'architectural dune' convincing. The premises are anti-monumental and with this it meets the values the ICC stands for. Some Jury members found that the anti-monumentality leads to monumentality however.

The Jury appreciated the passage way through the buildings as a visual connection between city and landscape, although there remain some questions in regard of the circulation function. The partition of the building into two parts - into a public and a dedicated building - was regarded as a positive approach, even if the cross links need further improvement.

The spatial requirements are fulfilled. The separation of organs is adequately considered by layering on different floors, even if the distinction of identities is rather ambiguous. The overall functionality is found as feasible. Cross links between office wings allow networking. The room quality of the courtrooms and the interconnection to the related organs could be optimised.

The efficiency of the project in terms of costs is found feasible, but the maintenance is regarded as above average.

The energy and environmental concept is not elaborated in detail.