Japan’s sustainable architecture with modernity, serenity…and public access!

Energy efficiency has become a common theme in urban planning. Combining it with nature-driven designs and materials can enhance the resilience of buildings to climate change, owing to their temperature- and moisture-regulating effects. Wooden structure also has a stress-relieving effect, emanating a calming and serene atmosphere. Japan’s world-renounced architect, Kengo Kuma, refers to this phenomenon as “spiritual sustainability.” Below are some examples of these architectural gems open to the public.

Aore Nagaoka, Niigata

Designed by Kengo Kuma, Aore Nagaoka houses municipality offices, an arena for entertainment and sports events, and roofed open space called “nakadoma” that is large enough for green markets, weddings and other celebrations. The city’s welfare facilities once stood here, conveniently located in front of the Japan Railway (JR) Nagaoka Station.

In renovating this space, Kuma sought to reenergize the city center by bringing the city hall back from the suburb and building a walkable town. This renewed multipurpose municipality edifice is built with traditional Japanese earthen floors called tataki, and the nakadoma area is covered by wood and solar panels. Aore Nagaoka is open to citizens and visitors and guided site tours are also available upon request.

Shinpukan, Kyoto

Shinpukan is another design by Kengo Kuma, which used to be Kyoto’s central telephone bureau built in 1926. When it reopened as a commercial complex of shops, restaurants, a movie theater and a hotel, it gained a silver rank in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for energy efficiency, water conservation and indoor environment quality. The space includes four gardens, a courtyard, a walk-through garden, an atrium and a rooftop garden with a waterfall stonework from the 14th century.

Kuroshio Arena, Kochi

As for sustainability-oriented sports complex, Hanshin Koshien Stadium, the site of national high school baseball tornaments since 1924, in Hyogo is most famous for having installed a solar power system, rainwater harvesting for field sprinkling and graywater purposes, and ivy-covered walls that reduces stadium temperatures by five to 10 degrees celsius.

In Kochi, Kuroshio Arena is run by a public foundation for athletics. The roofs are designed to maximize natural light and wind entry for heating and air circulation, combined with the solar panel system. Wooden window blinds filter light, while wooden beams absorb noise. Other natural materials, such as local cedar and cypress trees, limestone and plasters have been used for interior and exterior. Kuroshio Arena is surrounded by a baseball ground, a tennis court, a gym and a playground, and anyone can use its pools for 500 yen ($3).

Whether the purpose of your visit to these places relates to municipal paperwork, dining or workout, their earth-friendly designs will provide comfort. When people feel more relaxed in their surroundings, they tend to interact more. Sustainable architecture is a key ingredient of community building.