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KANAHEBISUI Shrine Gaien SandoTerrace

KANAHEBISUI Shrine Gaien SandoTerrace

It is a resting place open to the community, linking worshippers and the shrine. The Golden Snake Water Shrine sits at the outlet of a valley where a stream fed by a dike in the mountains flows out into the plain. The idea was to incorporate the elements of flow and pooling of the stream and dike, respectively, into this architecture.An arc-shaped pathway runs through the site, creating a flow of worshippers. A resting building and a peony building are located on both sides of the path, creating a place for people to gather. The overall structure was shifted in plan so that worshippers would naturally gravitate towards the grounds while allowing the surrounding nature, light and wind to enter the building. As there is a 2.2 m difference in level between the top and bottom of the approach, stairs, a ramp and a flat area were combined to rub against the original slope of the land. The two gables are covered by a single large roof, which blends in with the surrounding mountain range, while the whole is set up as an integrated space. The use of the shrine changes dramatically between festivals and daily life. During festivals, the lower part of the structure becomes a bustling place, but when the festivities are over, it reverts to a tranquil approach. It is both a road like an architecture and an architecture like a road.

Project credits

Project data

Project Year
2020
Category
Shops
Building Area
1014 m2
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