Overall Structure and Site Layout As you approach the site, situated adjacent to a scenic beach on the west, the elongated rectangular plot (approximately 100 meters by 43 meters) gradually reveals itself. The building sits gracefully elevated on pilotis (stilts), with much of the ground floor open for bus circulation. This open design not only allows for efficient traffic flow but also provides a visual connection between the surrounding landscape and the built environment, in tune with Toyo Ito's concept of blurring the lines between architecture and nature. The site is divided into distinct zones based on functionality, with buses circulating in the northeast portion. Ground Floor (Transit and Public Circulation) The ground floor predominantly serves as a transit hub. The north-east section is designed specifically for buses, with dedicated bus lanes and parking. A seamless bus circulation area allows entry from the east side of the site and exit from the north, ensuring smooth, unobstructed movement of buses without disrupting pedestrian or service zones. The bus parking bays are marked out on the northeast corner, where buses wait in a neatly organized row. These bays are roofed but open on all sides to allow natural ventilation and light. The bus lanes curve smoothly along the site's northern and eastern borders, creating a logical flow of movement while keeping much of the ground floor open. At the center of the ground floor, transit-related functions are housed in a transparent structure with minimal barriers. This includes a lobby and waiting area, ticket counters, an administrative office, and lounges. Large floor-to-ceiling glass panels create a light, open atmosphere, reinforcing the fluidity of space. Public seating is spread out, facing the bus bays, allowing passengers to keep an eye on arriving buses while still being shielded from the elements. To the south of the transit area, there is a service road looping around the structure, providing access for maintenance and service vehicles without interfering with the bus and pedestrian flow. First Floor (Recreational, Commercial, and Overlapping Services) Moving up to the first floor (approximately 4 meters above the ground level), the design begins to reveal its staggered layout. This floor houses recreational and commercial spaces. As you ascend the steps or take the elevator from the ground floor, you are welcomed into a lively, vibrant zone filled with activity. The first floor is designed like a long, horizontal plane, with floor slabs extending toward the beach, maximizing views of the western horizon. Much of the space on this level is open, continuing the theme of open, fluid architecture, inspired by the Sendai Mediatheque. The commercial zone is a bustling hub with kiosks, retail shops, and a small shopping arcade. There are pockets of greenery integrated into the open-plan design, with planter boxes and vertical gardens creating a more natural atmosphere. The recreational spaces, which include a gymnasium, yoga studio, and library, are set back toward the center of the first floor, with their boundaries defined by movable partitions. This layout ensures flexibility and adaptability, allowing the space to transform depending on the needs of the terminal. Large glass windows provide sweeping views of the beach to the west, while the open terraces offer outdoor seating and relaxation areas. One of the most interesting features of this level is the overlapping zone where the first floor slightly overlaps with the second floor. This section has been designed for service and ancillary spaces, efficiently stacked for ease of access. Second Floor (Socio-Cultural Programs and Overlapping Zone) Ascending to the second floor (8–9 meters above ground), the staggered design of the structure becomes more evident. This level houses primarily socio-cultural functions, including community kitchens, dormitories, guest houses, and workshop spaces. The staggered layout creates a sense of elevation as the second-floor mass appears to rise from the first floor, like a staircase leading upward. The overlapping zone between the first and second floors is used for shared services, such as toilets, drinking water facilities, and nursing stations. The terrace spaces on this floor are more private compared to those on the first floor, with designated areas for relaxation and contemplation, surrounded by landscaped greenery. These terraces provide a quieter space for guests in the dormitories and community spaces to enjoy the panoramic view of the sea to the west and the city skyline to the east. The skin of the building, made of transparent and semi-transparent materials, dissolves the boundaries between the interior and exterior. The columns (or "tubes") serve both as structural supports and as design elements, threading through the building at random angles, allowing light to filter through and maintaining the fluid, open aesthetic. Architectural Features and Materials The façade of the building is a combination of glass and steel, with the main structure supported by hollow steel columns. The glass façade is not only visually striking but allows natural light to flood into the interior spaces, reinforcing the connection with the surrounding environment. The glass reflects the sky and the beach, creating a visually light structure that seems to blend with its surroundings. The roof of the first and second floors also serves as terraces, extending the usable space outward and offering an outdoor seating area. These terraces are bordered by transparent railings, allowing unobstructed views of the beach and the sea beyond. Some areas of the terraces feature green roofs, which add to the eco-friendly and visually pleasing design. The use of pilotis (stilts) for the ground floor creates a sense of airiness, and from the street level, the structure appears to be hovering over the site. The open nature of the ground floor allows for visual permeability, ensuring the terminal feels less imposing and more welcoming, blending into the landscape rather than dominating it. Landscape and Environment Integration The site's landscaping enhances the fluidity of the structure, with the north and northeast corners reserved for bus circulation and a small service road looping around the site. The rest of the site features open green spaces, seating areas, and pathways that seamlessly connect the ground to the building. The south side features a service road, which, despite its functional purpose, is concealed by landscaping elements like trees and bushes to maintain the aesthetic quality of the site. Overall, the design creates a harmonious blend between architecture and nature, reflecting the principles of fluid space and open design. By minimizing physical barriers and maximizing natural light and views, the bus terminal becomes more than just a transit hub; it is an inviting space that encourages people to relax, engage, and connect with their surroundings.
