The building, with exterior walls of latticed wood, is based on an inverted image of Mt. Fuji, so when it is reflected in the large pool of water in front of it, the reflection looks like the mountain. The Mt. Fuji reflected in the water is a symbolic representation of Fuji as a “mountain of water.”
Inside the building shaped like an inverted mountain is a spiral curved slope which leads gradually from the first floor up to the fifth. Viewing the exhibits as they ascend the slope, visitors can enjoy a virtual taste of the experience of climbing the mountain. When they reach the top (fifth) floor, there is an observation hall with a large picture window offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the real Mt. Fuji, which changes its expression from moment to moment.
Spring water from Mt. Fuji is drawn into the Centre building and used as an air conditioning heat source, and is then channeled to the Reflecting Pool in front of the building, architecturally conveying the cycle of water on Mt. Fuji.
Architecture: Shigeru Ban Architects
Structure and MEP: Arup
Lighting Design: Lighting Planners Associates
Landscape Design: Studio Onsite
Fire Consultant: Akeno Facility Resilience
Acoustic: Nagata Acoustics
QS: Akane Architectural Consultants
Sign: Nippon Design Center
Exhibition content director: Shinichi Takemrua
Exhibition design director: Edwin Schlossberg
Exhibition design/installation: Tanseisha
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