Disaster control centre Minamiawaji City: by Endo Shuhei Architect Institute.

Continuing with my occasional review of interesting Japanese work from he recent past, this disaster control centre by Endo Shuhei simultaneously captures the notion of a medieval castle whilst finding an expression for a state of the art defence facility. The building has several functions around the the control of water.

Designed to control the port of Fukura flood gates, in the the event of a tsunami it also functions as a refuge especially for tourists. The main floor is higher than the assumed water level allowing waves to pas beneath. The structure is steel, and the exterior walls are curved for strength allowing a more efficient distribution of stress in the event it is hit by water.

   

Designed to control the port of Fukura flood gates, in the the event of a tsunami it also functions as a refuge especially for tourists. The main floor is higher than the assumed water level allowing waves to pas beneath. The structure is steel, and the exterior walls are curved for strength allowing a more efficient distribution of stress in the event it is hit by water.