Kiro-San Observatory

Abstract

Observation platforms typically stand in the midst of the natural environment, intruding on the beauty of the surrounding scenery. Kuma’s design instead focused on the creation of an anti-object in nature. When approached, the Kiro-san Observatory reveals itself only as a single narrow gap in the hillside. To achieve this design, the top of the picturesque Mount Kiro, which had previously been razed to function as an observatory park, was restored to its original form. Then a vertical slit was cut into the ground with two openings at each end, from which small platforms protrude. Visitors are thus provided with a broad panorama of spectacular scenery, with the architecture framing the view of the sea below.