A futuristic vision. That’s what Nexus Housing represents. Located near Fukuoka’s Hakata Bay this complex isn’t just housing. It’s an architectural experiment. A bold statement from renowned architects.
Nexus Housing boasts a fascinating history. It began as a dream. A master plan by the legendary Arata Isozaki. He envisioned towering structures. Two huge 120-meter towers. Sadly this grand vision was never fully realized. Instead what emerged was a collection of buildings. A unique collaboration of architectural styles.
Imagine Rem Koolhaas’s contribution. His 24 three-level units. Housed in two blocks. They access an interior street. The black granite shell seems to float. Above a lighter volume. This levitating effect. It’s a hallmark of Koolhaas’s style. He even included a traditional Japanese courtyard.
Then there is Oscar Tusquets’s work. His postmodern buildings. They evoke a Mediterranean village. Pastel colors. Distinctive arches. They act as urban gates. Creating small squares. It’s a surprising contrast to the Japanese setting.
Steven Holl’s design is equally remarkable. His buildings highlight traditional Japanese flexibility. Using fusuma sliding panels. Rooms expand or contract. They adapt to the family’s needs. A testament to functional design. It won prestigious awards.
Mark Mack’s contribution is a colorful structure. At a shopping street corner. It creates a small plaza. He used a varied typology. Balconies and exposed structures add visual interest.
Osamu Ishiyama’s buildings are strikingly different. They offer a mechanical look. Embracing the idea of a “machine for living”. But in a unique and formal way. Exposed concrete and aluminum. They create dynamic volumes. Each building representing a fruit. A coconut a banana and a pineapple.
The entire Nexus Housing complex is an experiment. In multifamily housing. It shows the work of many Western architects. Fukuoka has become a hotbed of architectural experimentation. Nexus Housing is a vital part of that legacy. It stands as a reminder of bold visions and collaborative spirit. A place where innovation and tradition intertwine.