Location: Japan
Year: 2017
Tenri Station Plaza is a vibrant public space located in the heart of Tenri City, Japan. Its modern design includes plenty of seating, green areas, and artistic installations, creating a welcoming environment for relaxation and socialising. The plaza serves as a symbol of the city’s commitment to urban development and sustainable living.
Along Tenri’s urban boundaries lie a number of ancient Japanese tombs known as “cofun”. Guideposts and signboards in the area feature subtle curves reminiscent of the cofun and sport a dark grey hue. It creates a natural contrast while seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment.
The various levels of a cofun fulfil multiple functions: stairs, seating areas, barriers for children playing, cafe and stage rooftops, product display shelves, and night-time illumination that lights up the plaza. This diverse environment entices visitors to discover and linger in different areas of the plaza instead of restricting them to a single location. The space is “ambiguous”, functioning simultaneously as a cafe, a playground, and an enormous piece of furniture.
The site is intentionally designed to promote playfulness – even the innermost circle in one of the amphitheatres has a bouncy surface.
The location is intentionally designed to promote playfulness – the innermost ring of one amphitheatre even features a bouncy surface.
The visually striking cofuns are seamlessly integrated into the city’s daily life. The plaza’s terrain, featuring several cofuns, reflects the region’s distinct geography: the Nara Basin, encircled by mountains. Careful consideration was given to ensure the interior materials and colours were consistent with the plaza. Furniture and fixtures, crafted from Nara Prefecture wood and designed with a cofun theme, create a harmonious connection with the plaza.
The plaza provides Tenri residents with a year-round venue for community events and gatherings, including performances, public talks, and exercise classes. This infuses the neighbourhood with vitality and creates a communal atmosphere. Additionally, locals help maintain a clean environment by coordinating regular voluntary cleaning efforts.
The constructions were created using precast concrete moulds, which were likened to “a massive pizza.” Major components, like building blocks, were cast in a factory before being transported to the site for assembly. This method facilitated mould reuse and contributed to reducing construction expenses.
Image Attribution: Image name: Tenri_Station_plaza_CoFuFun04_takumi_ota ©nendo ©Photographer: Takumi Ota