A large-scale mixed-use development at the heart of the “Tenjin Big Bang”

The Tenjin intersection, where Meiji-dori and Watanabe-dori converge, has been a key transportation hub driving the vitality of Tenjin, the central district of Fukuoka—Kyushu’s largest city and a gateway to Asia— since the Meiji era (1868–1912). Fukuoka City's “Tenjin Big Bang” initiative promotes redevelopment centered on this intersection. The simultaneous reconstruction of three buildings facing the intersection -- Fukuoka Building, Tenjin Core Building, and Tenjin Vivre -- long beloved as local landmarks, is positioned as a block-level development project driving the renewal of the entire area.

Concept

The block development adopted the concept of a “creative intersection,” with the aim of creating internal “shared urban spaces” where diverse functions blend together and citizens and visitors interact. By incorporating rich, shared spaces into the high-density development, the buildings became part of the city, opening up to it. Specifically, the plan included the following: an open plaza at the block corner, a Grand Lobby serving as the Tenjin entrance hall, a Grand Avenue that “inherits” the legacy of Fukuoka Building, a cafeteria open to the public, and a hotel rooftop terrace and courtyard offering a sense of the city's atmosphere, and, between the commercial and office floors, a symbolic two-story atrium sky lobby that will connect to the innovation hub. The Sky Lobby is intended as more than an office waiting area: it is a public space accessible to anyone.

Plan

The first floor and the second basement level are connected to the surrounding blocks, enabling seamless pedestrian flow. On the B2 level, connections are established to the Tenjin (subway) Station to the north, the Tenjin underground shopping arcade to the west, and the Inabacho-dori underground passage to the east. These connection points are linked by passageways, forming a comprehensive circulation plan. They include adjacent blocks, strengthening Tenjin's underground network. The first floor, surrounded by roads on all sides, is designed with multiple entrances facing each road, allowing people to pass through the building as part of the urban circulation.

Exterior design

The exterior design was developed around three core elements: “Urban Roof,” “Urban Grid,” and “Urban Oasis.” The black grid-like exterior draws inspiration from cast iron used in railroad tracks. This grid, designed to evoke the intersection of “creative crossroads,” optimizes shape and dimensions for each function while maintaining a unified overall aesthetic. The top portion features set-back window frames, creating balconies for the hotel rooms. This design yields an urban hotel where guests can feel the atmosphere of the city. The large roof shape also gives the rooftop area a distinctive character.

Sustainability

The project demanded environmental performance commensurate with a flagship office building in the Tenjin district. The office floor facades employ a deep-grooved double-skin curtain wall organized on a grid system. Electric blinds integrated into the intermediate cavity enhance solar shading performance while the double-skin design also enables natural ventilation even in rainy conditions.

“Art landmark”

The completed ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. is a mixed-use complex featuring high-spec offices and a hotel that also provides diverse public spaces accessible to city residents. A total of 126 art pieces has been installed both inside and outside the building, adding color to the cityscape. Public spaces such as the Sky Lobby and the Grand Lobby host numerous events and serve as venues for community interaction. Through these art-enriched "shared urban spaces," the project aims to continuously serve as an exchange space where business and culture intersect, becoming a new Tenjin landmark cherished by citizens for years to come.

Site area (m2): 8,606.16
Total floor area (m2): 146,191.75
Number of floors: 19 above-ground floors, four underground floors, one penthouse floor
Eave height / maximum height (m): 90.560 m/96.340 m
Main structure: SRC/S
Completion month/year: December 2024

Client name: Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd.
Architectural Design and Supervision: Design Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)
Urban Plan, Concept Design, Concept Plan: Nikken Sekkei
Concept Plan, Development Design: KAJIMA DESIGN
Construction Contractor
Construction: KAJIMA, HAZAMA ANDO, Matsumoto and Nishitetsu Construction Special Joint Venture for Construction Works
Others (Design Collaboration):
Exterior Lighting Design: Lighting Planners Associates (LPA)
Commercial Interior Design: NOMURA
Hotel Interior Design: Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP
Conference Interior Design: ILYA CORPORATION

Status: Built
Location: Fukuoka, JP
Firm Role: Design Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) Urban Plan, Concept Design, Concept Plan: Nikken Sekkei Concept Plan, Development Design: KAJIMA DESIGN
Additional Credits: Construction: KAJIMA, HAZAMA ANDO, Matsumoto and Nishitetsu Construction Special Joint Venture for Construction Works
Others (Design Collaboration） Exterior Lighting Design: Lighting Planners Associates (LPA)
Commercial Interior Design: NOMURA
Hotel Interior Design: Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP
Conference Interior Design: ILYA CORPORATION