Canal City

Fukuoka, Japan

• Clients: Fukuoka Jisho Co., Ltd, Fukuoka Japan Urban Design & Development Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Life Insurance

• Fukuoka Urban Beautification Award. Canal City Hakata

• Merit Award, Urban Design, American Institute of Architects, California Council

Inspired by the Naka and Hakata Rivers, the idea of creating an exquisite boutique island at the southern tip of Nakasu Island became the genesis of this extraordinary and powerful design. A canal carves through the site creating astonishing places of explosive venues and tranquil moments - merging tradition with current trends. The bold design, with an underlying homage to nature, exemplified by the canal slicing through, creates this canyon of beautiful shapes and forms.

At the center lies the main performance space - a place for activities and events that acknowledges the vibrancy of the project and also offers a place to celebrate local holidays and seasons of the year. Hotels, Performance Hall, Conference, Culinary, Entertainment and Shopping all combine to create a destination that played a major role in transforming the City of Fukuoka into the "Best City in Asia" as denoted by Asiaweek.

• Associate Architect: Fukuoka Jisho Co., Ltd., Urban Design and Development Co.

• Landscape Architect: EDAW, Inc.

• Environmental Graphics, Merchandise Designer: Selbert Perkins Design

• Water Features Designer: WET Design

• Lighting Designer: Joe Kaplan Architectural Lighting

  Role: Masterplan Concept Design Principal