Showing posts with label Hiroshi Hara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hiroshi Hara. Show all posts

December 24, 2010

Reflections・・・ at Kyoto Station

 Kyoto Station is a futuristic building designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara. The station, soaring 60 meters high up to the sky, was completed in 1997.

The main concourse is amazingly spacious; 50 meters high, 147 meters wide, 29 meters deep. Through the ceiling, the art of steel and glass, people see the sky color changing over time and feel the transience of time. I appreciate it as the building has the Japanese traditional way of sensing the subtle change although it is a masterpiece of futurism.  At sunset the ceiling seems to glow a pale pink. The combination of the sunset, the high ceiling and the huge space is inspiring. This perfect setting also reminds me of a solemn cathedral in Europe.

What I enjoyed the most are the beautiful reflections. All the pictures in this blog, except one, have the reflections.
The huge glass facade  mirrors the sky, clouds and Kyoto Tower.
 These are intriguing mirror images. You will  wonder, what you see  is real or not.

He seems to be going to fall from the edge of the top. His image is also a reflection.

Twins of Kyoto Tower
                                                    
 Grand Staircase is the soothing area where people sit down to take a rest, eat  or enjoy doing nothing.

Over the main concourse is an aerial walkway connecting the east and west wings,
 and giving a magnificent view of the city.
  
Although more than ten years have passed after the construction, this building is still half praised and half criticized by people. As Kyoto is the ancient capital where the emperors had lived more than 1000 years, the architectures in the city are expected to harmonize and unify with its long history and unique culture. Some people think the station is too modern. But, I really like this building which is the ideal  fusion of the modern and the traditional.


In front of the station is Kyoto Tower which also has been the subject of controversy since it was built. It isthe similar case with the station.

Kyoto Station is one of the most important transportation hubs served by train lines extending throughout Japan.
Why don't you come and explore the station which is the ideal starting point of your journey to Kyoto.
I'm sure you'll like it!












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