Obayashi : Three Projects Receive ICONIC AWARDS 2023, Germany

A medium-scale office building located in Shinagawa, Tokyo, which consists of one basement floor and 12 floors above ground, and it was completed in 2022. Taking full advantage of the Obayashi Group's integrated capabilities in handling ordering, design, and construction, a variety of new technologies were introduced to enhance construction efficiency. The integration of the facade and the structure into a single unit allowed the realization of a large, column-free office space.

The lattice-like columns and beams, which also serve as the structure, are covered by an aluminum curtain wall that incorporates equipment such as air supply and exhaust units. The layering of components that blend design, structure, and equipment creates a visually striking appearance while adding value and enhancing productivity.

Under the slogan "a ballpark the world has never seen before," it opened in March 2023 as a ballpark unique to Hokkaido, capitalizing on the region's abundant natural surroundings.　 The distinctive exterior boasts Japan's first and largest retractable roof, along with a 70-meter-high glass wall that allows natural light into the space.

The 360-degree walk-around concourse and seating layout, designed with a focus on sight lines, create a sense of excitement and immersion that can be felt anywhere in the stadium. The concourse is designed to create a sense of unity, achieved through the incorporation of light lines and floor color schemes that reflect the sunlight filtering through the trees.

The Kobe Sannomiya Hankyu Building is a 29-story, 120-meter-high retro-modern skyscraper complex that integrates a train station, commercial facilities, offices, and a hotel.

The exterior of the low-rise portion of the building was restored to reflect the distinctive design of the former Kobe Hankyu Building, such as arches, lattices, and reliefs. The original building, constructed in 1936, was damaged by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995.

The high-rise portion of the building is composed of modern and simple materials such as glass, aluminum, and PC panels (factory prefabricated concrete panels), while harmonizing with the colors and materials of the low-rise portion, creating a deeply sculpted, shaded design to achieve a sense of overall unity. The fusion of historical heritage and new design has created a symbol of Kobe's revitalization.