Stylish or Attractive Constructions
Hakata Primary School
While walking on Taihaku-dori, you may have noticed the glass walls with words on them. The exterior resembles that of a modern public facility, but the attractive point is the design inside the building. As I later checked, it provides ample space for students, and it has no walls between classrooms. Designed under the policy of “Open School,” it offers a place for non-traditional learning. Through the glass windows, students can look outside, and passers-by on the walkway can observe their classes.
Gofuku-machi Business Center Building
This is the building we visited on our Hakata-machi walk the other day, located at Higashi Nagare Place. At that time, we didn’t pay much attention to the colorful construction. It features dark-green windows and yellow or brown pillars. Designed by American architect Michael Graves, who is a member of the Post-Modernism Movement, this style emphasizes being ornamental or outstanding rather than purely functional. This tendency is evident in the design of this building.
We Base Hakata
It looks like an astronaut cat. Later, I checked it out and found that this object has some reputation, and behind it is a hotel named We Base Hakata. It was awarded the Good Fukuoka Scenery Award a few years ago.
The Former Fukuoka Prefectural Guest House
Everyone knows this building on the bank of the Naka River, but few know exactly what it is. It is the Former Fukuoka Prefectural Guest House, which used to be on the premises of the Fukuoka Prefectural Office. When the office was relocated, this building was preserved as a historical monument. It was built in the French Renaissance style, characterized by steep roofs, roof windows, angular cone-shaped towers, and emphasized horizontal lines. Château de Fontainebleau is one example of this style.
Kawasho
This is a Japanese cuisine restaurant in Nishi Nakasu. Its design is highly regarded as the epitome of Japanese aesthetics. It was designed by Junzo Yoshimura, a renowned 20th-century architect.
Ganso Mentai Ju
I found this close to Kawasho. Whether it is aware of Kawasho or not, it is designed in a unique Japanese style. It is a restaurant serving Karashi Mentaiko dishes. This boxed food is often featured in Fukuoka guidebooks nowadays.
Red Brick Culture Center
Everyone knows this red building. It used to be the Kyushu branch office of the Nihon Insurance Company. Now, it serves as a facility providing information about Fukuoka literature. It was designed by Kingo Tatsuno and Yasu Kataoka. Kingo Tatsuno is famous as the architect of Tokyo Station.
Acros Fukuoka
I think it is the most unique modern building in Fukuoka City, probably in Kyushu. It was designed based on the idea given by Argentine architect Emilio Ambasz. The step gardens are impressive. No one knows why the wall should be stepped, but a lot of people force themselves to think, “Ok, it is a kind of art.” It has received many awards.
Fukuoka Bank Head Office
It was designed by Kisho Kurokawa, one of the most famous Japanese architects ever. (I know his name because his wife was an actress.) He was the leader of the Metabolism movement. Metabolism is the idea of emphasizing adaptation to the changing modern world over function. Actually, a big blank space in the large box is not functional.
Mitsukoshi Fukuoka
no particular comments. It is there, like the Boss Building of Tenjin.
An art object at Richmond Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin
I happened to see this object on Watanabe Street and took a photo. The plate says “Round Structure 2007.” I didn’t understand the concept and left, thinking I would look it up on the internet. But no one refers to this thing. Still unknown.
Hotel New Otani Hakata
When it was completed more than thirty years ago, it was the most imposing and cutting-edge construction in Fukuoka City. That is history now.
Tenjin-Minami Station
It’s just an entrance to the subway, but the glass-walled frame with white long tubes is very artistic. It was designed by Syoei Yo and received a Good Design Award. He uses glass materials very artistically. Saibu Gas Museum in Momochi is one of his works.
Fukuoka City Art Museum
It was designed by Kunio Maekawa, a disciple of Le Corbusier, the greatest architect in the world. (The National Art Museum in Tokyo, designed by Le Corbusier, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.) And you may find an artwork by Yayoi Kusama, the renowned pumpkin creator.
Noh Theater in Ohori
The three features of Noh stages are (1) the square stage, (2) the bridge, and (3) the stage pushed forward to the audience. Besides these, no stage props are used, no curtain separates the stage from the audience, and singers and musicians are on the stage.
The Us Consulate
The three features of Noh stages are (1) the square stage, (2) the bridge, and (3) the stage pushed forward to the audience. Besides these, no stage props are used, no curtain separates the stage from the audience, and singers and musicians are on the stage.
Omula Beauty Creates
This is a building for a career school for hairdressers and makeup artists. The Big O, which definitely represents O for Omula, is weirdly outstanding.
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
It used to be the Hyatt Regency Fukuoka, but now it is The Basics Fukuoka, a hotel with added functions. This was also designed by Michael Graves, and his post-modern style is evident here.
The statue of a Hand is interesting. It is named “Hello and Good-bye,” and designed by the artist Keimu Kamata.
