Clean Energy Factory-Office (RTKL)

 
The pristine landscape - the edge of a plateau meeting the Pacific - was symbolic of the technology of wind power whereby the blessing of Nature is met by human ingenuity.  The building is a small insertion between the vast sky and the solid earth, or between the nature power and the man-made technology.  It is really about establishing relationships between men or man-made and the nature or natural elements, and the design contains many layers of meanings, symbolism, and allegorical intentions.While the whole is encased in a tight enclosure to counter harsh conditions, for example, its plan extends out to encourage dialogues with natural elements, as in the contemplative library for gazing at the stars and listening to the waves;ground embracing terraces for feeling the vastness of the space and the forces of winds; and the main corridor where the sun is celebrated when it penetrates through the entire length twice a year at sun rise.  Its cladding - custom made tiles - expresses the unpredictable nature of fire (kiln temp.) and irregularity of hand-made process.  The view out from within is controlled to make the occupants be aware of this interstitial existence. The overall composition is a set of simple rectangular volumes, conveying the secure, solid, and stable presence firmly embracing the earth, yet is expressive of the dynamism of the company ready to take a flight into successful future.  [design for a Japanese client]