6. Makuhari MesseⅢ, Pedestrian Bridge, Chiba City, Chiba, Japan, 2009
The new bridge was designed to create a third identity to create a clear contrast to the color, materiality, and forms of its surroundings. The bridge has a sharp image like an inverted 98m longboat, with a pure white Teflon-coated membrane tent lightly floating above. The structure largely consists of two parts, the bridge girder and the membrane tent framing above.
The girder is shaped like an arch, with a gentle curve to provide the required height clearance below. It is constructed of precast concrete, supported by four v-shaped reinforced concrete columns, spanning a maximum of 39m. In order to maximize the spatial experience from below the membrane tent, the slim, steel rods are set three-dimensionally within the vierendeel truss framing instead of coplanar. This three-dimensionally also braces and resists twisting forces due to wind loads. Embraced in gentle light, crossing the pedestrian bridge builds anticipation and excitement.
7. The Delegation of The Ismaili Imamat, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2008
The building is a secular facility proposed in the city of Ottawa to establish a formal and symbolic presence for His Highness the Aga Khan and his institutions in Canada. It is configured as an elongated, rectangular “ring” whereby the program surrounds two large “inner sanctuaries”: a glazed atrium and a courtyard.
The building as a whole will be an interplay of visual clarity and opacity, overlaid with various degrees of translucency. The Delegation building designed by Fumihiko Maki will be a source of optimism, fascination, and enlightenment.
8. Toyama International Conference Centre, Toyama, Toyama, Japan,1999
The Toyama International Conference Centre is a central event facility for the city of Toyama (a regional hub city on the Japan Sea coast) and its surrounding region. The exterior is comprised of two layers – a glass curtain wall and a wooden lattice screen, which adds a sense of softness and warmth. The Main Hall seats 825; the diagonal seat layout creates unity and intimacy between the audience and stage area.
9. Singapore MediaCorp, Buona Vista One-North, Singapore 2015
The design for the New Media Complex represents a new idea for a broadcasting center, where the Media Centre is not only an efficient and functional working environment but also a publicly-oriented facility that is open and inviting to visitors from around the world. It is aimed by Fumihiko Maki to attract and inspire visitors by showcasing the unique operations of the broadcasting center.
The formal design strategy provides a unique form and place to each of the three primary programs: the 1,600-seat Performing Arts Theatre, the Broadcast Centre and Mediacorp’s Corporate Offices. The three-building forms in unison, create a gateway, a “view corridor” acting as both a pedestrian spine as well as a public plaza with a grand stairway with 50 steps.
10. TV Asahi Headquarters, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 2003
The new Television Asahi Headquarters occupies a section of Roppongi Hills. On the north side, where the garden of the former Mouri residence was located, a new Japanese garden has been created: flanking this garden is a 30-meter-tall, 120 meters long, thin, crescent-shaped, rich public space. The employees of Television Asahi, visitors, and the general public enter from two entrances into this space first.