words Diego García Scaro

Shuhei Endo’s latest work demonstrates the new phase of his ongoing exploration into the geometry of bubbles. Bubbletecture H is an environmentally themed visitor centre situated in a mountainous area two hours from Osaka. 

The Japanese architect aims to achieve a modular yet non-uniform architecture. The building seems to grow from the ground and meander on the sloping terrain. A faceted steel skin wraps around it, delineating three spherical wings that correspond to the centre’s functions: a theatre, library and workshop.

The steel has been treated so that it won’t weather beyond its initial rust. Part of the roof has been planted with moss, which, together with the oxidised steel, will make the building blend in with its setting.

For more information about this project, look in the July issue of icon magazine, out soon.

images Sergio Pirrone