Location: Fukuoka, Japan.

Architect: Nikken Sekkei Ltd.

The relocation of a court to the site of the former Kyushu University Ropponmatsu Campus is the first reconstruction plan in thirty-five years among the eight high courts across the country. The new court is designed to blend in well with the surroundings while maintaining its integrity and grace, with a building exterior of 1200 x 600mm large tiles with the pillar-shaped precast concrete format at equally spaced intervals. The deeply sculpted exterior serves to shield from the sun and create a privacy barrier between the neighbouring homes and the court. The large opening and horizontal spreading out of glass eaves create a transparent and open feel in the lower part of the building and the entrance area. Local wood products and Hakata woven wallpaper were used for interior materials, and green paths were developed around the periphery.

Three sides were planned and seasonally themed, and trees were planted hierarchically in the outdoor parking lot. The active Kego fault line is 1.8km to the east of the site, and a structured design was made taking into consideration damage control measures to ensure a quick, functional recovery. A time history response analysis method was used to verify the quake resistance of government facilities over 45m in height. Plans were made for maximum sustainability, such as flexible office layout, high-performance heat insulating glass, eaves to control direct sunlight, natural daylight and ventilation, and Business Continuity Plan (BCP) measures. Water-saving equipment was adopted and recycled water was used as much as possible. In the event of a disaster, lavatories and wash basins were reserved for specific use on the first floor.