“What makes a city truly beautiful?” That is the question behind the Osaka Machinami Awards. We are standing before one of its recipients: the Osaka Governor’s Prize. It is part of the Osaka Cityscape Architecture Award. The prize recognizes outstanding buildings and urban landscapes. It enhances the urban environment.
The Osaka Cityscape Architecture Award is also known as the Osaka Machinami Awards. This award encourages creating beautiful cityscapes. The award started in 1981. It has become a notable recognition. It is a distinguished accolade.
The Osaka Governor’s Prize is awarded by the Osaka Cityscape Architecture Award operating committee. The committee consists of members from the government and the city. The Osaka Governor’s Prize is one of six awards. There is also an Osaka Mayor’s Prize. There are also special recognition awards. These include a Greening Award. There is an Architecture Sign and Art Award.
In 2023, OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts won two awards. It won the Excellent Greening Award. It also won the Architectural Signage and Art Award. The green space project dramatically transformed the landscape. It is visible from the JR Shin-Imamiya Station platforms. The greenery covers approximately 7600 square meters. It is accessible only to hotel guests. However, it provides a lush landscape. This is rare in a densely populated urban area. It significantly contributes to the local scenery. The green space includes inclined pathways and wood decks. It has a central grass square. There are roofed multi-functional spaces. It showcases the layered allure of urban green spaces.
The 3D letter signage of OMO7 is strategically placed in the corner. It serves as a backdrop. It complements Miya-green. It offers a visually appealing angle for photos. At night, the building’s exterior transforms into a media facade. It entertains with computer-controlled LED light shows. This integration is expected to turn OMO7 into a new tourist attraction.
The garden includes approximately 1700 square meters of grass. It features around 200 plantings. There is a terrace deck with a pergola. This results in a cooling effect. This is facilitated by the green landscape. The lush green surfaces suppress surface heating. Trees and pergolas provide shading. The watering of plantings also helps. Simulations showed that perceived temperature under trees and pergolas are approximately 5°C lower. This is compared to asphalt surfaces. In the grassy fields, the apparent temperature was about 1°C lower than asphalt surfaces.
The Osaka Cityscape Architecture Award aims to create beautiful cityscapes. It recognizes the value of green spaces and architectural design. The Osaka Governor’s Prize represents the best in Osaka’s urban design.