Center for Advanced Science and Technology

Center for Advanced Science and Technology

LOCATION
Nishi Harima, Japan

CLIENT
Hyogo Prefectural Government, Public Enterprise Agency

Completion Date
1997

architect
Arata Isozaki & Associates

TypE
Parks and Gardens
Campuses
Academic
Workplace

Description
The landscapes for CAST, a major conference center, were created as abstract visions of Japanese natural history. In the arrival garden, 33 grass cones, each crowned by a single cypress tree and a red light, constitute a “volcano garden.” The director’s garden is the equivalent of a moon-viewing platform. And the garden at the ryokan for guests features two giant truncated cones of stone and moss set on traditional raked sand referencing the Silver Pavilion. The garden includes a bamboo grove and a mist fountain.