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Project

Music Hall and Central Earthquake Memorial Center

- Sendai, Japan

A cultural and memorial complex in Sendai, integrating a music hall and earthquake memorial center.

Modern building with layered roofs and glass windows, surrounded by landscaping and people.

A modern building with layered, curved roofs and large glass windows, surrounded by a landscaped area with flowering plants. People are walking around the structure.

Story

Music Hall and Central Earthquake Memorial Center

An architectural dialogue between culture and resilience

The Music Hall and Central Earthquake Memorial Center in Kokusai, Sendai, designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, represents a significant architectural endeavor that intertwines cultural enrichment with disaster awareness. This complex is envisioned as a dual-purpose facility: a music hall serving as a hub for the city's cultural and artistic expressions, and a memorial center dedicated to fostering disaster culture, reflecting Sendai's identity as an environmentally conscious and disaster-prepared city.

The architectural heart of the project is a three-dimensional atrium space, ingeniously formed by the first-floor lobby and the interlocking floor slabs of each level. This atrium acts as a central spine, around which various halls and functional spaces are strategically arranged. The design emphasizes openness and connectivity, enhancing both the acoustic quality for performances and the contemplative atmosphere for memorial activities.

Design Highlights

  • Integration of cultural and memorial functions within a single architectural entity.

  • Use of a three-dimensional atrium to organize spatial relationships.

  • Emphasis on environmental sustainability and disaster prevention.

  • Architectural expression that reflects Sendai's cultural and environmental ethos.

Key Facts

Feature Description
Architect Sou Fujimoto Architects
Location Kokusai, Sendai, Japan
Function Music Hall and Memorial Center
Design Approach Cultural and Disaster Awareness

The project stands as a testament to contemporary architecture's ability to address complex societal needs, blending cultural engagement with environmental and disaster resilience.

Technical summary

Updated 2/7/2026

Finishes

  • Ceiling: Wooden ceiling design in the concert hall.

Materials

  • Glass — Large windows in the atrium and exterior facade.

Construction / Systems

  • Atrium: Multi-level atrium with open staircases and large columns.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Not specified
  • Lighting: Natural light floods in through large windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Images

Modern building with layered roofs and glass windows, surrounded by landscaping and people.
Modern building with curved roofs and people in an outdoor area with seating and plants.
Interior view of a multi-level atrium with people, columns, staircases, and natural light.
Interior view of a spacious, modern atrium with multiple levels and people interacting.
Interior of a building with a curved staircase, white columns, and people walking in a multi-level atrium.
Interior space with large windows, people seated on chairs, and a view of trees outside.
Aerial view of a modern architectural complex with a multi-level, curved design surrounded by greenery and parking areas.
Interior of a concert hall with tiered seating and wooden ceiling.
Interior of a concert hall with tiered seating and a stage.
Concert hall interior with tiered seating and a stage.
Interior of a concert hall with tiered seating and a grand piano on stage.
Diagram of floor plans for a building with labels in Japanese, showing different levels from B1F to 4F.
Illustrations of a public space with people engaging in activities, including a lobby concert, disaster culture forum, and large events.
Floor plan with colored sections indicating different areas and functions, including a large central hall.
Floor plan of a music hall and memorial center with labeled rooms and spaces in various colors.
Floor plan of a building with an auditorium and various rooms in different colors.
Floor plan showing different colored sections for various areas and functions in a building.
Floor plan of a building with different colored sections indicating various areas and rooms.
Floor plan layout with labeled sections in Japanese, including areas like lobby, workshop, and restaurant.
Floor plan with labeled sections for a large hall, rehearsal room, and office space.
Floor plan with labeled spaces in different colors, including exhibition areas, a gateway space, and a hall.
Section drawing showing various labeled rooms and spaces in a building.
Musicians and a ballet dancer performing in front of an audience.
Interior view of a concert hall with an orchestra performing and a full audience seated in tiered seating.
Interior space with children and adults participating in activities, featuring tables, art supplies, a large screen, and architectural models.
Interior of a public space with people looking at displays and models, featuring a large column and open layout.
Interior view of a multi-level space with people and market stalls, featuring tall columns and a bright atmosphere.
Interior view of a multi-level space with people and musicians performing.

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