We use cookies to personalize and improve your experience on our site. Visit our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to learn more. You can opt out of some cookies by adjusting your browser settings. More information on how to do this can be found in the cookie policy. By using our site, you agree to our use of cookies.

Yokohama Ferry Terminal

Foreign Office Architects, Yokohama, 2002

 

Subscribe now to instantly view this image

Subscribe to the Architects’ Journal (AJ) for instant access to the AJ Buildings Library, an online database of nearly 2,000 exemplar buildings in photographs, plans, elevations and details.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

The use of grass was the client’s, rather than architect’s, choice 

Satoru Mishima and Ramon Prat     Download Original

  • The use of grass was the client’s, rather than architect’s, choice    
  • Fixed and portable shading for rooftop promenaders    
  • Vertical railings are removable, providing platforms to access ships    
  • Flowing on and off the terminal    
  • Aeriel view of the port, defined by its    
  • Floors can be cleared for other uses    
  • Though the folded plates appear like paper-folding, their construction is of framing and metal sheet, which acts in both tension and compression    
  • Baggage handling. A clip-on extension for busy times can be packed away     
  • Perimeter routes draw you into the building while keeping contact with the exterior. Handrail supports are at right angles to inclined surfaces    
  • The terminal as destination – you can come to watch the boats    
  • Faceting the glazing avoids metal support framing    
  • Site Plan    
  • Ground floor plan    
  • First floor plan    
  • Second floor plan    
  • Section    

Multifunctional international ferry port with civic hall and urban park

The topographical form determined the building’s structure. Twin structural ramps span along the long axis acting as conveyors of people, goods and services, while offering support to secondary folded steel plates which create and cover the two civic plazas.

The terminal height was set at five metres above the concrete apron, which then determined the length of the ramps to the building’s entrance. The length of the ramps to ground then determined the size of the terminal, the height of the roof and, therefore, the form of the park.

For 90 days of the year, it moors boats large and small on local and international journeys. It also functions as a civic hall.

Though the folded plates appear like paper-folding, their construction is of framing and metal sheet, which acts in both tension and compression.

Data

  • Begun: Mar 2000
  • Completed: Nov 2002
  • Floor area: 438,243m2
  • Sectors: Civic, Transport
  • Total cost: £129M
  • Tender date: Feb 2000
  • Address: 日本, 〒231-0002 神奈川県横浜市中区海岸通１丁目, Yokohama, Japan