• Sakado, Japan
• 2012
• Institutional

This art museum for Japanese woodcuts (Ukiyo-e) doubles as a campus visitor information center. The architecture of the building is a reference to the Ukiyo-e art, which translates to “pictures of the floating world”. This is expressed through the art galleries that act as smaller forms that seem to float within a larger container. The lower level contains a glass-walled information center that also serves as a lecture hall and additional exhibition space, as well as various backup facilities. This floor is strategically sunken into the ground by a half level; because this building is at the front of the campus, the architects wanted to designate the building as a clear and visible gateway for those entering the area. The upper level contains the two art galleries, both with slightly different floor levels to create a stagger between the programs.