sou fujimoto weaves floating walkways into new park in fukuoka

Sou Fujimoto designs Three-Dimensional Park in Fukuoka City

The Three-Dimensional Park conceived by the acclaimed architect Sou Fujimoto, is set to transform the landscape of Fukuoka City, Japan. This urban project will breathe new life into the existing Meiji Park, situated prominently in front of the Hakata railway station in Fukuoka prefecture. With its location as the gateway to Kyushu, it aims to create a one-of-a-kind park that harmoniously blends urban elements with natural beauty, all while embracing the concept of a Three-Dimensional fusion. This ambitious undertaking is made possible through the utilization of the Park-PFI (Private Finance Initiative), a system designed to enhance user convenience and revitalize public spaces through private sector involvement.

The Park aligns with the city’s forward-thinking ‘Hakata Connected’ policy, which seeks to revamp the entire area surrounding the railway station. This comprehensive urban renewal plan encompasses the reconstruction of private buildings, the expansion of pedestrian walkways, the extension of the Nanakuma Subway Line, and the complete redevelopment of Hakata Station Street. The result sees a dynamic urban landscape characterized by its three-dimensional complexity, promising an enhanced overall experience for city dwellers and visitors alike.

all images by Sou Fujimoto

adding a new three-dimensionality to Fukuoka’s landscape

The design team aimed to imbue the park with a fresh sense of three-dimensionality, with the goal of turning it into ‘a citizens’ oasis’, as they described. The park’s central feature will be a network of floating walkways designed with gentle slopes to connect various park levels, making them accessible to all while also providing sheltering eaves to protect visitors from the elements and facilitate easy movement within the park. These ‘pathways in the air’ will provide spaces for leisurely walks, exercising, enjoying plants, and hosting events, all while outlining the park’s boundaries and ensuring a sense of cohesion.

Adjacent to the park, a four-story tenant building will stand in harmony with a subway ventilation tower, creating an inviting plaza. This will house an array of tenants, including restaurants and wellness facilities, ensuring a diverse range of activities that complement the park’s ambiance and the surrounding urban environment. The building will feature outdoor zones, such as rooftop gardens and a monumental staircase extending from the street axis, offering multiple purposes. Furthermore, the building will serve as an essential informational hub and a hub for community exchange, strengthening its role in connecting people.

barrier-free walkways welcome all visitors

While the tenant building and walkways contribute significantly to the park’s appeal, it is the landscaping that takes center stage. The existing park features a rich collection of camphor trees and ginkos, considered sacred to Hakata’s renowned Kushida Shrine, along with a charming terraced garden adorned with Japanese summer oranges. To maintain the park’s appeal and blend it with the region’s natural environment, the design will introduce more indigenous vegetation, giving it a distinctive appearance that suits the City of Hakata.

Drawing inspiration from Hakata’s historical traditions, which have flourished through the centuries on its vibrant streets, the Three-Dimensional Park pays homage to this heritage. It is deeply rooted in local history, from Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s 16th-century city layout to the colorful festivals like Hakata Dontaku and Hakata Gion Yamagasa. This landmark park project seeks to extend the city’s promenades into urban spaces that integrate buildings, city streets, parks, and the community, creating a shared three-dimensional realm that honors Hakata’s past while embracing its future. Meanwhile, by implementing the innovative Park-PFI system, the Three-Dimensional Park exemplifies modern urban planning, where both private and public interests collaborate to create a balanced and welcoming environment.

a shared three-dimensional realm