We will spread knowledge of Fukuoka’s undiscovered yet exquisite architecture and design and through architecture and design, we aim to nurture Fukuoka into a city with rich aesthetic sensibility.
Architecture is comprised of various different aspects such as history, art, technology, environment, materials, and energy. There are no fields which are unrelated to architecture.
Likewise, just as each person has a place to live or work, architecture is an intrinsic part of our lives. This deep connection means that the growth of architecture enriches the lives of individuals.
Architecture is culture. As it can be enjoyed by all those who look upon it, architecture is also a public asset.
In recent years, however, more attention has been paid to the economic aspects of architecture, with fewer opportunities to consider its true value.
Additionally, chances have not been created for those in architecture to convey the field’s interest and appeal to broader audiences.
Architecture exists alongside various fields of design. Interior, lighting, landscape, product, and graphic design. Outstanding architecture is supported by outstanding design in these areas.
Architecture exists alongside various creative forces. Builders, workshops, processing plants, manufacturers, and materials developers. Outstanding architecture is supported by outstanding creators.
NPO Fukuoka Architecture Foundation (FAF) aims to enrich the foundations of design in Fukuoka through activities that bring together a broad range of architecture enthusiasts and professionals in various fields related to architecture in order to promote its appeal to the wider community. Through this, we hope to make Fukuoka a place that values outstanding design and, as a result, is widely recognized as a city where talented designers can demonstrate their abilities.
FAF is a hub connecting residents, students and designers to create a foundation for cultivating excellence in design which will enrich life in Fukuoka.
Our goal at FAF is to lay the foundation for good design that will enrich the soul and life of Fukuoka, by connecting outstanding designers, students of design and the residents who will be the end users. By making residents aware of outstanding creators and the appeal of design, we create opportunities that will bring up the next generation of designers.
We introduce outstanding architecture and design to a broad audience through events such as architectural tours and workshops.
Our events include architectural tours that showcase a broad range of modern architecture, as well as workshops and salons that connect locals to outstanding design. We also continue to build our extensive archive of information that makes it easy for anyone to understand Fukuoka’s architecture.
In addition, our organization makes it possible for outstanding designers and businesses engaged in making exquisite products to connect with the local residents who use them.
To create a strong foundation in Fukuoka for cultivating a wealth of design related to architecture, including interior, lighting, landscape and product design, that supports the lives of individuals – this is the cornerstone of FAF.
FAF’s Activities
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Organizing architectural tours and visits for the general public
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Holding lectures and workshops to cultivate interest in design
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Creating various opportunities for children to experience hands-on design
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Constructing an archive of information related to architectural design
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Developing tools that allow the general public easier access to outstanding design
The next step after four years of MATfukuoka. Expanding to include a wider variety of activities.
MATfukuoka, a tour event showcasing a broad range of Fukuoka’s outstanding modern architecture, was the precursor to our FAF. Spanning four years from 2009, the organized tours, salons and parties drew close to 4,000 participants in total. We began activities with a three-year goal, but many people asked us to continue. With this encouragement we established the NPO Fukuoka Architecture Foundation in October 2012, looking to expand on our activities thus far to encompass an even broader significance. (Fukuoka Architecture Foundation is abbreviated as FAF.)
While continuing with the architectural tours, as FAF we are active in organizing workshops, salons and other events that introduce outstanding design to local residents.
recommended by FAF members
Reaching to the heavens from the park on its south side, this grand staircase is one of a kind. A pioneering work of green architecture, it offers citizens a piece of tranquillity in the heart of the city.
Just as the name suggests, the stores, offices and hotel that form this grand complex surround a waterfront space on the ground floor. Its plentiful curves and brilliant colours changed the face of Fukuoka.
Covered with original tiling that subtly reflect various hues, this elegant architecture is peacefully nestled amongst the greenery. A key feature is the esplanade, a space to stroll through while gradually climbing the steps from the park
This masterpiece of bank architecture offers a luxury public plaza in prime location in the heart of the city. A magnificent music hall stretches underground below the plaza.
A wide array of buildings including elementary and nursery schools, and a community center, are arranged in a multi-storey design in this limited space. The result is integrated with its surroundings, a realisation of the concept of a "neighbourhood school that creates the neighbourhood".
Constructed on an artificial island, the park's central facility is Grin-Grin, a symbiotic space of greenery and architecture made from concrete undulating in all directions like a giant ribbon. The follies dotting the park are also a highlight.
Unique housing complexes designed by world-renowned master architects such as Rem Koolhaas and Steven Holl.
Nishi-Nippon City Bank Head Office
A bank building created under the client's request for a 'sculpture of the city'. The orange Indian Sandstone that covers the building has made it a symbol of the Hakata area.
The work of a master architect who also designed the National Noh Theatre in Tokyo. The layout is an arrangement of 5 squares of varying sizes overlapping without alignment, creating a space with a sense of depth between the entrance, lobby and gallery.
Appearing in the central city area, this subway entrance has an overwhelming form and sense of transparency. The sight is also impressive at night.
Fukuoka City Red Brick Cultural Center
A historic symbol of Fukuoka familiar to many as 'Akarenga' (red brick) and created by the father of Modern architecture in Japan, Tatsuno Kingo.
Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art (former Fukuoka Prefectural Culture Center)
Unusual in Japan, the tower-like structure is considered a symbol of Fukuoka culture. The composition of the powerful walls and tower makes for an impressive structure.
This symbolic tower changed the Fukuoka skyline. Displaying the latest lighting designs, the night view is also one of the city's famous sights.
Fukuoka University 60th Anniversary Memorial Hall (Helios Plaza)
University facility providing students with various places to congregate, with a sense of transparency and purity created by use of white space.
This symbolic waterfront hotel was designed in unity with the sea, with its atrium opening onto the coast. Bathrooms have open view to the ocean.
Designed by the late Italian master, Aldo Rossi. The original interior, which has since been refurbished, was created by well-known designers from Japan and abroad. The exterior retains its original condition.
Former Fukuoka Prefecture Public Hall Distinguished Guest House
A rare Meiji-era western style wooden building open to the public. Also includes a café on the ground floor.
The undulating roof and greenery reflected by its grand glass exterior make the building a part of the surrounding mountains. A quake-resistant structural design is used to ensure the safety of the exhibits.
Kyushu University Hakozaki Campus
A group of buildings with over 100 years of history dating back to the former Imperial University, including the brick-clad administration building, the regal Department of Engineering building, and the powerful exposed concrete form of the 50th Anniversary Memorial Hall.
This office building has been a familiar symbol of Tenjin for many years. The exterior Arita porcelain tiles and the rounded stainless-steel window frames are still in their original form.
A commercial building resembling a merchant's house on a multi-storey scale, including an open terrace, void and alleyway. Solution to a long and narrow plot of land in densely-packed area.
With a retractable three-plate titanium roof, the dome is designed for all weather conditions. Along with the adjacent hotel, this building forms part of the classic Fukuoka skyline.
The bold stairwell open to the outside creates room for future expansion. It also serves as ventilation to the narrow streets behind.
The multi-purpose gateway to Hakata is a mix of public space, train station and shopping facilities, including a station square for various events and a roof garden.
Fukuoka's famous sushi shop, designed by an architect aiming to fuse Japanese architecture and modernism. Easily identified by two types of louvre, concrete and wooden
Always refreshingly surprising, its beautiful form resembles a space ship descended to Earth. Being so well maintained, it's hard to believe the building is 30 years old.
Not visible from the outside, a hidden opening brings light to the interior of this commercial building. This structure is one solution to high density urban space.
Seinan Gakuin University, Seinan Community Center
Use of bricks in both the exterior and interior give this hall a fascinating character. Good use of skylights in the lobby illuminates the bricks and creates a bright, modern impression.
Architects from Japan and abroad participated in constructing the unique housing complexes and other buildings lining this street.
With its novel architecture, including exposed concrete walls, glass curtain and heavy iron door, it's hard to believe this is a sushi shop. Inside, the high ceiling and lighting above the counter are also a feature.
A new office building in place of the well-known Denki Hall. The lower floors are arranged as a space to create and develop the next generation of businessmen and diverse culture aspects, with a plaza, hall and conference facilities.
The uniquely-textured black exterior wall and the Japanese confectioner's tasteful design fit pleasantly with the surroundings.
Postmodern architecture with characteristic exterior and interior featuring two circular open colonnades of different sizes.
Nakamura Gakuen Girls’ Junior & Senior High School
The exterior louvre, which carries a sense of musical rhythm, and elegant curved design symbolizes the refinement and sophistication of this traditional girls' school.
Kyushu University Ohashi Campus
The cohesion between overall campus design and individual buildings brings a sense of unity to this university.
Ohori Junior and Senior High School
The concept is a grand gate from Fukuoka to the world. It forms an impressive sight alongside the art museum and martial arts stadium of Ohori Park.
Befitting a beauty school, the unique O-shaped façade resembles the shape of a face.
A reinforced concrete apartment building dating back over 50 years, refurbished into offices and shops. Pioneer in the Fukuoka building stock reuse project.
The ribbon running throughout the exterior is illuminated at night in this impressive façade design.
The Luigans (Uminonakamichi Hotel)
With an elevated center and the sides descending to the left and right as if to embrace the sea, this hotel resembles a white bird landing on the shore.
A bold, impressive multi-storey building, resembling a stack of building blocks.
A housing complex that includes 4 open vertical wells twisting through the interior to bring light and breeze deep into the building.
An office building with an exterior resembling a fabric woven of stone, tile and glass. The open space and lobby facing out onto the intersection added a new attraction to the area.
Built upon the artificial island constructed in Hakata Bay, the 3 linked towers form a dynamic super high-rise apartment complex.
A tranquil temple building with Modern design standing amidst a dense urban center.
The building's impressively unique façade is covered completely by beautifully connecting opaque glass.
A rich greenery of over 4,000 trees was planted within this 34 home low-rise, low-density complex. The connecting garden walkways show the way to enjoy living together.
Buildings filled with the aroma of trees. The structure's grid of wooden lattice beams softly render the children's living space.
Teriha Elementary & Junior High School
Fukuoka City's first joint elementary and junior high school. The feature is a common space joining the two.
A housing complex that changed the image of the harbour district. Full of features that allow residents to get the most out of its bayside location.
