shigeru ban's latticed oita prefectural art museum opens in japan

shigeru ban’s latticed oita prefectural art museum opens in japan
all images © hiroyuki hirai

described as a museum of the five senses and encounters, shigeru ban architect’s ‘oita prefectural art museum‘ has officially opened it doors to the public. combining double height spaces and large glass screens, the 80m long, cubic structure has been wrapped with a woven timber façade, reminiscent of the area’s traditional bamboo crafts. acting as a cultural heart of the prefecture, the scheme encourages social and public activity where the expansive foyer acts as a gallery in itself, as well as an open public space that includes a café.

the timber and glass façade calls to mind the woven nature of traditional bamboo craft

 6 meter glass screens can be folded upwards enabling a direct and fluid transition inside the building

glazed panels open to welcome guests inside the institution

a gridshell roof structure spans internal volumes

the large installation ‘eurasian garden spirits’ is a site-specific installation by marcel wanders

the vast, airy space has a café for the public to enjoy a drink

owing to the expansive and flexible space, a diverse range of exhibits are available