010 Building, The Cultural Center Bound by Steel Curtains

Building 010 was designed by Clouds AO in collaboration with NKS2 Architects and Takumi Nakahara Architects. This cultural center faces the Naka River, a river in Fukuoka, Japan, and is next to the Nakasu district, an entertainment district famous for its nightlife and street vendors. Zero-Ten, the owner of this building, wants to create a new hub that embodies Fukuoka's new culture and a colorful blend of local and international talent. Building 010 features a versatile immersive theater with a bar, restaurant, and rooftop used for a VIP lounge with stunning city views.

View of Building 010 from across the river, Photo by Gion

In this project, Clouds AO designed the shape of this building with a basic geometry consisting of a square mass rotated symmetrically at 45 degrees, wrapped in a stainless steel "curtain" made softly curved, with a spiral composition that responds to the program of internal space and the potential for a visual scene. With this design, Building 010 creates dynamic shapes and varied spatial experiences that reinforce the energetic spirit of the city. Metal curtains that are deliberately left without finishing create color changes that can follow the conditions of the surrounding area, such as looking shiny during the day and changing colors according to city lights at night.

View Building 010 from street, Photo by Gion

Detailed view of the shroud of Building 010, Photo by Gion

With the unique shape of this building, Clouds AO placed the main staircase tucked behind a steel curtain in the southwest corner of the building, finishing this staircase with a glossy white color that visually blends with the deliberately placed lighting and is designed to stretch as high as the building. Coupled with the shiny red Interior, contrasting with the silver exterior. Public spaces were freed up around the building, with large volumes of theater placed on the second floor, creating an overhang that overshadowed circulation around the ground floor.

Interior view and stairs of Building 010, Photo by Gion

Interior view of restaurant Building 010, Photo by Gion

Theater interior view Building 010, Photo by Gion

The restaurant on the ground floor opens both terraces to the east of the building, providing seating and external kitchen space overlooking the river. While at the top of the building is a VIP lounge and balcony to enjoy the city view further, protected by a parapet formed by a layer of steel.

View of the main entrance of Building 010, Photo by Gion

Section of building 010, source by Clouds AO