Ship's Garden

A commercial facility where one can enjoy the expanse of space that only the waterfront can offer.

The site is triangular in shape, with two sides facing two rivers and one side facing Meiji-dori Avenue.

The street side is a park so that anyone can easily drop by, and the two-story building is located at the back of the park, between the rivers. The expanse of space that can only be enjoyed along the water's edge, combined with the awning tents that look like sails, gives the impression of being on a boat. However, building a building on a small site reduces the area of the park. Therefore, the rooftop of the building was connected to the park and made into a plaza that anyone can climb up freely. As a result, the area that can be used for public purposes was not reduced, while providing the town with a space that is two stories larger than the area of the building, which creates a lively atmosphere.

Creation of a space where the park and architecture (recreation facility) can be used in unison: volume planning

We devised a way not to reduce the space that can be used as a park even when recreation facilities are placed.

First, the recreation facility was placed at the tip of the site to make it easy for anyone to enter the park, and a floor area of 2F was secured so that it could be used as a commercial facility.

Second, the rooftop was raised at the tip of the site and lowered on the park side so that the rooftop could be used like a park, and the volume was constructed so that the park and architecture would become an integrated space.

Creating a Diverse Place” Leading to the Linkage of Fukuhaku

The site is visible from all surrounding areas, so care was taken not to create a back lot. Benches and flower pots were placed toward the street so that people walking along Meiji-dori in front of the park can feel the bustle of the park. The entire park was planned to provide a circular flow line so as not to create any dead ends. Benches were also planned throughout the site, including on the rooftop of the recreation facility, to allow people to rest freely.

Attractive nighttime scenery

Eight lighting methods were used to support people's activities and create an attractive nighttime landscape that will become the new face of Fukuoka.

(1) New sight of the riverside

(2) Light to enjoy the view

(3) Light for the approach

(4) Light that brings in the expression of greenery

(5) Light to create the water's edge

(6) Lighting that accentuates art

(7) Light that integrates with the landscape

(8) Light that does not create darkness

Zoning that takes advantage of the site shape

The building will have a clear view of the waterfront and greenery around the park through its linkage and division of functions with the park and open spaces located in the Tenjin/Nakasu area. Conversely, the basic concept was to create an open space where people can “see” and “want to visit” from the surrounding area. Taking advantage of the triangular shape of the site, the access from Meiji-dori, the depth of the park, and the openness to the river, together with the recreational facilities, the park layout was designed to be easily accessible to all.

∙ Attractive to all places without being redundant.

We planned to make all outdoor spaces, including the perimeter of the first floor, the terrace on the second floor, and the rooftop, enjoyable to use, while providing different views of the waterfront and park from different directions. The rooftop, in particular, has many places to sit and chat or take a break, and a large flat area is laid out with artificial grass for yoga and other activities. The two tents reminiscent of ship's sails provide shade from the sun and also reflect light at night, contributing to the nighttime view from the surrounding area.