Fukuoka + Hiroshima Japan

It didn't take very long to notice a several things about Japan that distinguish it from the rest of Asia. The metro system in Fukuoka, for example, had cushioned upholstery seats. This may not sound like a big deal, but I could tell that these seat weren't new, nor was the rail car itself. Yet everything was incredible condition. I am not sure how many cultures in the world would be able to keep a piece of public property in such good shape.

I was greeted by Japan with some rain, but the next morning work up to some nice weather. Because of Japan's linear geography I am choosing to travel from West to East, starting with the port town of Fukuoka. The city has a nice scale, Topping out with 5-6 maybe 8 story buildings, small streets, with enough room for a good mix of bikes, pedestrian's and autos.

The ACROS building is adjoining ( and in many ways complimenting ) the central green space of the City. The southern elevation of the building, that faces the green space, is terraced with over grown vegetation giving the effect that the park continues up the building, or that the building itself is actually a small mountain. This elevation if also walkable, so it also a continuation of public space as well.

The Large central atrium is flooded with natural light and ventilation. I think this project will continue to be a good case study of an architecture merging with landscape urbanism.

I then travelled to Hiroshima. A place that "for the worst of reasons, needs no introduction." The memorial, also know as the "Atomic Dome" is the only structure that is standing in the city since the blast 65 years ago.

Though the loss of life was tragic, yet what I was thinking about most during my visit, is how this single act of destruction changed the world forever. Before the nuclear bomb, people lived differently. Business operated differently. The power of such a weapon has greatly shaped with world we live in today.