Kengo Kuma & Associates won the first prize for the proposal-typed competition to design and supervise “Iiyama Plaza (tentative name)” in Nagano Prefecture.

In the project, the 49-year old civic hall will be replaced by the new “Plaza,” which is expected to promote cultural activities and enhance the quality of public services for the town. The “Plaza” comes at the existing Iiyama Station. Together with the new station for Hokuriku Shinkansen, which starts its operation in two years’ time, it will give an additional attraction to the town.

For this small northern Shinshu town, which is going to enliven itself with the running of Shinkansen, we proposed an idea of a “street,” in order to create a new community and activity. The halls and other facilities in the plaza will bring in and further grow the liveliness of the town via passages in and out of the building, and function as the center of revitalization of the town.

Please see the following website for further information:
Iiyama city website : http://www.city.iiyama.nagano.jp/top