This railway station building is the product of biophilic design, which aims to improve human productivity and happiness by incorporating nature. The facility’s centerpiece is a large indoor space of water and greenery that extends from the ground to the seventh floor while hosting dozens of plants native to Japan.
The multi-level garden embodies the concept of a new commercial facility where disembarking passengers at Kumamoto Station can experience regional nature and attractions in “one-stop” fashion. The garden creates a genuine natural setting for visitors as they enter the building. A variety of lush trees populate the seven-story atrium with its 30-meter-high stone walls.
Meanwhile, a 10m x 10m artificial waterfall, inspired by the Nabegataki Waterfall in nearby Minami-Oguni, cascades through the space. An Aso springs motif-styled water basin with a ‘floating’ chapel occupies the upper level hotel lobby. Cutting-edge digital simulations and mock-ups contribute greatly to the realization of this biophilic design.
Project: JR Kumamoto Railway Station Building
Firm: NIKKEN SEKKEI LTD
Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Transport Interiors
