The proposal was awarded the first prize for the architecture and design competition held in September 2007, and the design was developed through discussion with the city council and the local community.
This building was planned for the redevelopment of the City of Toyota’s Nature Learning Centre. Based on a concept of creating a “pathway” linking with the forest, the building is composed of two gently curved volumes. These two curved forms are inverted, intersected at their peaks, and vertically layered at the central atrium space. This organisation of the form creates a three-dimensional space internally. Each volume is enclosed and covered by the roof, yet it allows the visitors to go out to the forest from anywhere in the building. Children learn about the nature in the building and are gradually led into the forest. The building is, thus, a “catapult” that leads people into the forest.
The design team also worked on the entire site as a whole. Such design work involved “satellite facilities”, which include the bird-watching decks and rest areas spread throughout the wetlands. Other work covered developing the exhibition contents and designing signages in the buildings, forest, and the walking trails. This was made possible by Toyota City who understands the true meaning of learning about the environment and has a high awareness and ability to execute.