Dominating the skyline of Toyota City, Japan, a colossal wooden roof crowns the newly built Toyota City Museum. Designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban, this ambitious project creates a secluded museum zone alongside the established Toyota Municipal Museum of Art created by Yoshio Taniguchi.
Constructed primarily from local cedar, the museum’s distinctive 90-meter-long roof rests gracefully above tall, tapering columns. Ban envisioned a unified area, where the new building complements the existing art museum while retaining its own architectural identity.
“Both structures offer a unique perspective on different eras. I aimed to seamlessly blend the old with the new, creating one cohesive space where visitors can easily navigate and appreciate both museums,” explained Ban.
The juxtaposition of the two buildings is undeniable. The modern, metal and glass-centric Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, a masterpiece of modernist architecture, stands in contrast to the organic, wood-centric design of the new Toyota City Museum.
Ban’s design is a statement about environmental consciousness.
“While the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art painstakingly utilizes concrete and glass, the Toyota City Museum celebrates wood, emphasizing a sustainable approach mirrored in contemporary architectural thinking,” he stated.
The museum premieres a striking glazed façade supported by asterisk-shaped columns. This unique design extends outwardly to form a sheltered porch, illuminated by a skylight.
Underneath this impressive roof structure, a network of beams intricately mirrors the twisted lines of the Toyota City emblem. During the summer solstice at noon, these beams cast the emblem’s shadow on the floor, adding a layer of symbolism to the structure’s aesthetic.
Inside, the museum provides a dedicated space for the city’s history. Materially rich walls curved inwards, creating a flowing pathway that ascends and offers views of a lush bamboo grove. A massive, central display platform doubled as the building’s earthquake-resistant core, adding strength while maximizing natural light and proportionality.
Peter Walker and Partners, renowned landscape architects and the architects behind the existing museum’s landscaping, removed a line of trees separating the museums, seamlessly merging their unique styles into a singular, harmonious parkland.
“The landscape design beautifully connects the two buildings, showcasing distinctive architectural styles across three decades: a serene art museum and a vibrant building teeming with diverse activities,” Ban concluded.
Shigeru Ban, a renowned architect recognized for his experimental use of timber, continues to elevate environmentally conscious architecture through innovative projects and humanitarian contributions. His recent resume includes a cross-laminated timber addition to Ukraine’s largest hospital and a temporary, sustainable housing prototype called Log Paper House, designed for swift deployment in disaster-stricken areas. These initiatives exemplify Ban’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable architecture, impacting lives through innovative and impactful design.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Architect Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest joining us—an expert in sustainable architecture and design, Dr. Aiko Matsumoto. Dr. Matsumoto, thank you for being here with us.
Dr. Matsumoto: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the recent architectural marvel in Toyota City.
Editor: Absolutely, and it’s hard to miss the newly opened Toyota City Museum, designed by Shigeru Ban. What are your initial thoughts on this colossal wooden roof that dominates the skyline?
Dr. Matsumoto: It’s truly impressive! Ban’s use of local cedar is not just a stylistic choice; it symbolizes a deep respect for the environment and local resources. This connection to the region’s culture and materials makes the museum not just a structure, but a part of the community’s identity.
Editor: The integration of this new museum with the existing Toyota Municipal Museum of Art is quite fascinating. How do you perceive the architectural dialogue between the two?
Dr. Matsumoto: It’s a brilliant juxtaposition! The Toyota Municipal Museum, with its modernist emphasis on concrete and glass, represents a different moment in architectural history. In contrast, the Toyota City Museum, with its wooden elements and organic design, speaks to contemporary architectural values, especially sustainability. Ban has beautifully unified these two eras and styles, creating a navigable space that encourages visitors to appreciate both buildings.
Editor: Ban mentions creating a cohesive space for visitors to enjoy. How does the design of the new museum support this vision?
Dr. Matsumoto: One of the most striking aspects of Ban’s design is his use of space. The 90-meter rooftop serves not only as a cover but as a symbol of unity, drawing visitors in. Underneath, the asterisk-shaped columns and the glazed façade enhance the experience, allowing natural light to pour in while creating open areas for gatherings. It cleverly encourages social interactions, which is key for museums today.
Editor: There’s also an environmental aspect to Ban’s design philosophy. Can you elaborate on the sustainability features integrated into the Toyota City Museum?
Dr. Matsumoto: Certainly! The emphasis on wood as a primary material demonstrates an eco-conscious approach that contrasts sharply with more resource-intensive aspects of modern architecture like extensive use of glass and concrete. Wood not only sequesters carbon but also contributes to a warmer atmosphere within the museum. The design itself—through features like the sheltered porch and skylights—not only optimizes natural lighting but also minimizes energy usage.
Editor: It’s refreshing to see such a focus on sustainability in architecture! What do you think this project means for the future of museum design?
Dr. Matsumoto: This museum sets a precedent for future projects. It shows that museums can be dynamic spaces that honor the past while promoting a sustainable future. We’ll likely see more architects adopting these principles, blending cultural significance with environmental responsibility. This project serves as an inspiration not only for architects but for communities aiming to integrate culture and sustainability.
Editor: Dr. Matsumoto, your insights have been invaluable. Before we conclude, is there a message you’d like to impart to those interested in architecture and sustainability?
Dr. Matsumoto: Yes! I encourage everyone to think about architecture not just as buildings but as living environments that reflect our values. Embracing sustainability and protecting our cultural heritage should be at the core of any architectural endeavor. The Toyota City Museum is a perfect example of what can be achieved when we blend innovative design with environmental stewardship.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Matsumoto, for your engaging thoughts on the Toyota City Museum! It’s clear that architecture is not just about aesthetics but about the stories and values we choose to embrace.
Dr. Matsumoto: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this exciting development with you.