ACROS: A
Giant Japanese Pyramid Blanketed in Green Grass
Pyramid architecture always catches our attention, and this gorgeous
grass-clad example in Japan has us drooling - especially because it
actually exists. The building, called ACROS, isn't really a pyramid
(it's more like a ziggurat), but whatever you call it, you can't deny
the awe that its enormous terraced green roof inspires. Alive with 5,000
thriving plants representing 76 species, the mixed use structure that
spills into a park serves as a calming oasis for the city of Fukuoka.
When Emilio Ambasz & Associates designed the building, there were
tasked with maintaining the adjacent park, which happened to be the only
remaining green space left in the whole city.
They did a brilliant job of integrating the stepped green roof into the
park – it almost appears as if the grass from the roof is spilling right
into the grassy knoll with no interruption of flow.
The exterior of the building is certainly impressive but the space
inside is well thought out as well. More than one million square feet of
space lies under the 14 one-story high terraces, and is more than
enough room for the exhibition hall, museum, theater, conference
facilities, government and private offices, parking lot and retail
spaces.
ACROS is a surprising building in more ways than one. If you were
approaching the building from one side, all you would see is a typical,
glass-walled office building. But the other side is an urban oasis!
Having a green roof saves both energy and money and it reduces runoff
from rainwater. Not to mention the fact that it looks amazing and has
such a cooling, calming effect for urbanites used to the concrete
jungle.
