Waterscape - Memory of Spring

A Museum and Multi-Purpose Space in Hakone, Japan

The inspiration for this project came from the site's unique natural environment, with Lake Ashi and Mt. Hakone as its backdrop. The existing entrance, once adorned by a large banyan tree, served as the starting point for the design. To accommodate the museum's needs, the team created an octagonal amphitheater at the center of the entrance dome. The floor of the amphitheater was covered with a transparent resin, forming a spring that symbolizes the memory of the botanical garden's naturally occurring body of water.

The octagonal amphitheater serves as a versatile space that can be used for dining, performances, or temporary exhibitions. The design allows for various configurations, adapting to the museum's changing needs. The ever-changing image of the venue, combined with the shimmering movement of water, creates a dynamic and immersive experience for visitors.

The design incorporates the surrounding natural elements, with the colors and light reflecting the landscape. The steel frame and concrete parts of the dome walls are painted in vibrant colors, reminiscent of the hues found in the lake's surface. The brown walls of the kitchen booth are covered with wood plates shaped like dancing shards of light, adding a touch of vitality to the space.

The technical realization of the design involved pouring new concrete over the entire floor and applying a transparent resin to create the spring. Reflective materials such as mirrors, glass pieces, and fragments of metal were used to enhance the play of light on the water surface, creating a mesmerizing effect.

The Waterscape - Memory of Spring project covers an area of 420 square meters and stands at a height of 8000mm. It was completed in Hakone, Japan, and is a testament to the innovative and thoughtful design approach of Moriyuki Ochiai Architects Inc.

This project has garnered recognition and was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2017. The award acknowledges the project's well-designed, practical, and innovative features that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Waterscape - Memory of Spring design integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.