stainless steel 'curtains' gently wrap around japan's new cultural complex

010 building: embodying fukuoka’s emerging culture & talent 

The 010 BUILDING by Clouds Architecture Office emerges as a futuristic and shimmering stainless steel landmark in the heart of Fukuoka, Japan. Bordering the lively Nakasu district, famous for its nightlife and street vendors, the structure responds to startup company (client/developer) Zero-Ten’s vision of embodying Fukuoka’s growing culture and mix of local and international talents.

Program-wise, the new cultural complex features a multipurpose theater with several bars, the GohGan restaurant run by celebrity chefs that gives access to a generous riverside terrace, a fine-dining hideaway on the top floor with scenic views of Fukuoka, a VIP lounge, and roof terraces.

all images © GION (unless stated otherwise)

draping the volume in shimmering stainless steel ‘curtains’

The Clouds Architecture Office team composed the base structure as stacks of cubic masses rotated 45 degrees each. Wanting to connect 010 BUILDING to the dynamic urban fabric and riverfront, the architects raised the largest volume, the double-height theater, off the ground, giving the impression of a floating body. Meanwhile, stainless steel ‘curtains’ gently yet vividly envelop the geometric mass; opening up in all directions, these whirling drapes respond to the complex’s diverse internal programs while framing dramatic vistas of the city ahead. 

south-east corner view, highlighting the shimmering stainless steel ‘curtains’

‘The result is a seemingly floating architecture without front or back, an iconic silhouette that can be identified from distant bridges and across the city. The building does not have a traditional façade; there are no preferred sides, [and] its sculpted form faces in all directions equally – like an actor in the city. The satin metal curtains reflect the constantly changing liquid aura of the weather and open sky by day, and shimmering city lights and neon by night,‘ writes the practice. 

north-east view of 010 BUILDING

step inside the immersive, red-coated theater 010 

Moving to the interiors, Clouds Architecture Office walks us through the hero program of 010 BUILDING: ‘The central theater volume is coated with a vibrant red, vertically connecting the tall space with a glow. The inside face of the spiral curtains naturally supports stairs up through the atrium. A unique triple-height beaded light fixture connects each level and entices guests up the stairs to the theater. Inside the two-tiered theater, a stage extends out into [the] audience both horizontally and vertically, with a special hoist system to engage guests in an immersive experience.‘

010 BUILDING sits next to the lively Nakasu District

connecting 010 BUILDING  to the Naka riverfront

red hues and sweeping lines compose the theater volume

connecting the various floors with a triple-height beaded light fixture

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image courtesy of 010 BUILDING

image courtesy of 010 BUILDING

project info:

name: 010 BUILDING

location: Hakata Ward, City of Fukuoka, Japan

client: Zero-Ten Inc

architecture: Clouds Architecture Office | @clouds_ao

executive architect & theater design: NKS2 Architects, Takumi Nakahara 

restaurant design: Nobuo Araki/The Archetype
bar design: Mundi Space Design Labo
structural engineering: Ohno Japan
construction: Saeki Kensetsu Co Ltd
landscape: Eiji Asada/Ordinary+Space

lighting: ModuleX Inc
photography: GION | @jiro_zeroten

completion date: December 2022
program: 1F Cafe Restaurant & Terrace, 2F Theater & Bar, 3F Restaurant & Theater lounge