This is an urban redevelopment project that began in 1995 with the aim of restoring vitality to the hollowing-out center of Akita City. The project consists of four buildings: the Nigiwai Exchange Center, a place for cultural activities by citizens; the Akita Prefectural Museum of Art, designed by Tadao Ando; a commercial building; and a residential building. By dividing the project into four buildings, a number of continuous exterior spaces were created, including a lively plaza facing the park where the Kanto Festival, one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region, is held, an enclosed Nakaichi Plaza, and alleys between the buildings.

Japan | Akita

Shinkenchiku July 2014 issue 148P