Pyramid architecture always catches our attention, and this gorgeous grass-clad example in Japan has us drooling - especially because it actually exists (not usually the case with these types of megastructures). Okay, you caught us - the building, called
ACROS, isn't really a pyramid (it's more like a
ziggurat), but whatever you call it, you can't deny the awe that its enormous terraced green roof inspires. Alive with 5,000 thriving plants representing 76 species, the mixed use structure that spills into a park serves as a calming oasis for the city of Fukuoka.
ACROS is a surprising building in more ways than one. If you were approaching the building from one side, all you would see is a typical, glass-walled office building. When Emilio Ambasz & Associates designed the building, there were tasked with maintaining the adjacent park, which happened to be the only remaining green space left in the whole city. We think they did a brilliant job of integrating the stepped green roof into the park – it almost appears as if the grass from the roof is spilling right into the grassy knoll with no interruption of flow.
The exterior of the building is certainly impressive but the space inside is well thought out as well. More than one million square feet of space lies under the 14 one-story high terraces, and is more than enough room for the exhibition hall, museum, theater, conference facilities, government and private offices, parking lot and retail spaces.
+ Emilio Ambasz & Associates
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It would be great to have a plant list and some idea of the medium in which they are grown. Any more info available on the planting and as to the architect’s collaboration with a landscape architect on this wonderful creation?
How tranquil looking! I love this design.