Nitobe Inazo Memorial Hall
2018
This project is based on an existing site occupied by the Nitobe Memorial Park in Sapporo, Japan. To commemorate his death and celebrate his successful life, Benny designed a memorial hall that can accommodate visitors with public events in the communal dining space and the communal garden to remind people about Nitobe’s large contribution to the agricultural success in Japan. There are also educational spaces such as exhibit space and lecture hall where visitors can learn about the history of Nitobe Inazo and his career.
Interweaving Forces
"Interweaving Forces" is a project done prior to Nitobe Inazo Memorial Hall, analyzing the surrounding site forces such as views, vegetation, and circulation of vehicles and pedestrians. Further details about the project can be found here.
Concept Diagram
This diagram was created from the profile view of Interweaving Forces. It accentuates the relationship between the three layers.
Concept Model
The curvilinear form of the concept diagram was translated into a three-dimensional structure.
Concept Sketches
The concept model was further developed into a more comprehensible structure.
Axonometric View
This illustration exhibits the general form of the building and its surrounding features on the site.
Site Map
The site is located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
Roof Plan
With public spaces such as playground and communal garden accommodated within the site, Nitobe Memorial Hall is meant to attract people from various background and generations.
First Floorplan
There are educational spaces such as lecture hall and library/archive on the first floor, which are separated from the public lobby with a hallway. There is also a communal storage that visitors can store food and groceries prior to events like cooking class and feasts.
Second Floorplan
The second floor features an exhibit space, communal kitchen and dining space, private tea room, office spaces, and meeting rooms. With the double-height lobby space on the first floor, visitors can look down into the space below and experience the openness of the structure.
South Elevation
South elevation of the building exhibits the curvilinear form through the roof structure.
Section Perspective
This section perspective illustrates the interior of the building to show the structure in use, as well as how the light penetrates into the building.
Rainwater Harvesting System
The roof structure is formed to redirect rainwater not only into the reflection pool enveloping the building, but also the communal garden sloping down from the roof structure.
Southwestern Exterior in Summer
The dining space is placed on an elevated structure to offer better views to the visitors.The space underneath is used as a shaded outdoor lounge with reflection pools and benches for people to sit and relax, while watching their children play on the playground.
Southwestern Exterior in Winter
As Sapporo is an area with heavy snowfalls, this rendering visualizes the building in the winter environment.
Lobby Space
With the double-height lobby space, visitors feel open minded while circulating around the building. The lobby space is also surrounded with curtain walls to keep the space free and well illuminated. One of the reflection pools directly meets the edge of the lobby to create an atmosphere that brings people together with the nature.
Southeastern Exterior
With sufficient views with glass walls throughout the building, interacting with the surrounding site is more accessible; kids play on the playground while parents enjoy their meal in the dining room, or the visitors in the exhibit space can look down into the people using the communal garden.