New Twisted Landmark for Yashima National Park

landscape Yashima Mountain-top Park

The attraction of a landmark is its "unusual" shape. as are the new landmarks of Yashima National Park, such as the waves of water in a calm mountain river. Located in Japan's Yashima National Park, this landmark is known as Yashima Mountain-top Park as an observatory and a multipurpose hall for exhibitions, conferences, or other cultural events.

exterior Yashima Mountain-top Park

Its location at the top of the mountain was the main inspiration for Architect Takashi Suo to design Yashima Mountain-top Park with a shape that adopts the visual of waves. While designing this building, Takashi Suo was challenged to adjust the structure according to the conditions and forms of the snaking mountain contours. Thus, this building has a different elevation and width because it has been adapted to the original site.

landscape Yashima Mountain-top Park

The gentle curves and narrow width of the rooms in the building resemble the movement of a mountain river, which hides surprises and brings visitors one step closer to nature. The potential for charming panoramic views is also a distinct advantage for Studio Suo in managing the interior and materials.

exterior Yashima Mountain-top Park

The visitors' spatial experience is amplified through transparent glass walls, which form smooth curves along the building to capture the surrounding panorama to the maximum. In addition, using traditional Aji Ishi tiles adds to the impression of locality and closeness to nature. These roof tiles are made of gray granite stone produced in the city adjacent to Yashima. Thus, this material only utilizes a little energy while empowering local products. Furthermore, the natural gray color of this granite rock further represents the calm and clear bends of the river in the mountains.

exterior Yashima Mountain-top Park

Finally, Yashima Mountain-top can align buildings with dynamic shapes, use materials that uphold local aspects and natural elements, and answer how buildings with "unusual" shapes can be a new breakthrough for a landmark that is located far from the city.

traditional Aji Ishi tiles