ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall - Featured Project

Summary

The Asian Cross Roads in Fukuoka, Japan, celebrates its 25th anniversary as a hallmark of green architecture. Designed by Emilio Ambasz, this innovative structure features over 100,000 square meters of multi-purpose space and integrates lush terraces that provide urban green spaces. The building not only enhances the city's aesthetics but also addresses environmental concerns, showcasing a significant reduction in heat and CO2 emissions. Its unique design includes gardens for meditation, reflecting pools, and offers stunning views of Fukuoka Bay, blending urban life with nature, ultimately creating a vital community hub.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Akos Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall in Fukuoka, Japan, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2020.
• 😀 Designed by architect Emilio Ambasz, the building is a pioneer of ecological architecture.
• 😀 The building spans over one million square feet of multi-purpose space, situated next to Tenjin Central Park, the only open green space in the city's center.
• 😀 The architectural design incorporates 15 stepped vegetated terraces, blending urban and park elements for a greener cityscape.
• 😀 The north side of the building features an elegant urban facade, while the south side extends the park through terrace gardens.
• 😀 Each terrace contains gardens designed for meditation, relaxation, and escape from city congestion, with the top terrace offering a grand view of Fukuoka Bay and surrounding mountains.
• 😀 Reflecting pools with water jets are used on the terraces to mask city noise and enhance the natural environment.
• 😀 A thermal environment survey in 2000 showed the building’s contribution to reducing heat island energy consumption and CO2 emissions, with a 15-degree temperature difference between interior and exterior.
• 😀 The plant variety in the gardens has grown from 76 species and 37,000 plants in 1995 to 120 species and 50,000 plants 25 years later.
• 😀 The project serves as a model of an agro-urban structure, balancing profitable development with public green space needs.

Q & A

What is the Akos Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall known for?

It is known for its spectacular green architecture and serves as a center for international cultural and information exchange in Fukuoka City, Japan.

Who designed the Akos Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall?

The hall was designed by architect Emilio Ambasz, a pioneer of ecological architecture.

How much space does the Akos Fukuoka cover?

The building encompasses over one million square feet of multi-purpose space.

What innovative features does the Akos Fukuoka incorporate?

It features a series of stepped vegetated terraces that provide gardens for meditation and relaxation.

How does the building contribute to environmental sustainability?

It helps reduce the urban heat island effect, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions, evidenced by a 15-degree temperature difference between the interior and exterior.

What types of vegetation can be found at the Akos Fukuoka?

Initially featuring 76 varieties and 37,000 plants, the hall now showcases 120 varieties and 50,000 plants.

What visual features enhance the hall's architectural appeal?

The building is designed with reflecting pools and a grand belvedere that offers stunning views of Fukuoka Bay and surrounding mountains.

How does the design of the Akos Fukuoka benefit the public?

The innovative agro-urban model reconciles profitable development with the need for open green spaces for the citizens of Fukuoka.

What are the main purposes of the terraces in the building?

Each terrace serves as a space for meditation, relaxation, and an escape from the urban congestion of the city.

Where can more information about this project be found?

Additional information can be explored at greenroof.com, which includes an international database for green roof and green wall projects.