AEAJ Green Terrace
In the heart of the bustling city, AEAJ Green Terrace emerges as a verdant oasis, quietly inviting visitors to explore the blessings of plants and the captivating power of fragrance through all five senses. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma as a new facility for the Aroma Environment Association of Japan, this space is more than just a venue for sensory indulgence—it is a harmonious convergence of humanity, nature, architecture, and the environment. Upon entering AEAJ Green Terrace, visitors are greeted by a meticulously crafted structure made from domestically sourced Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa). Utilizing the traditional Japanese woodworking technique known as Kigumi, Kengo Kuma has ingeniously assembled small wooden components (105mm × 105mm) into a lattice-like framework, evoking the image of a lush tree standing tall within a glass enclosure. This glass structure preserves and amplifies the natural aroma of the wood, enveloping the entire space in a refreshing, organic fragrance that creates the sensation of being immersed in a tranquil forest.
The building's main structure is composed of a steel frame, with the steel elements intentionally scaled to match the dimensions of the wooden components, softening the rigid contours of the metal. This seamless integration of steel and wood highlights the delicate, textured grain of the cypress, resulting in an ethereal, cloud-like architectural form. In stark contrast to the bold and defined lines of Kenzo Tange’s Yoyogi National Gymnasium across the railway, AEAJ Green Terrace exudes a gentle and handcrafted quality, infusing the urban landscape with warmth and subtlety. Ascending through this glass-encased forest, visitors arrive at the Green Terrace, an open platform offering panoramic views of the lush Jingumae forest. Guided by the concept of "creating a forest within the city," the architect blends poetic imagination with tangible environmental practices. By using locally sourced wood, the facility minimizes carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation, promotes resource recycling, and supports biodiversity, embodying a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
As a new hub for the Aroma Environment Association of Japan, AEAJ Green Terrace is not only a place for exploring the art of fragrance but also a gathering space for fragrance enthusiasts, professionals, and curious visitors alike. Here, the essence of the seasons transforms into a soothing balm for the soul. The subtle scent of cypress mirrors the deep, calming breath of a forest, drawing the senses into a state of tranquility and releasing the ineffable healing power of nature. This building transcends its functional purpose to become a sanctuary of relaxation and inspiration. Strolling through this space, visitors are enveloped in an unparalleled sense of serenity. The aroma of wood flows gently with the breeze, while dappled light filters through the wooden lattice like sunlight streaming through a forest canopy. AEAJ Green Terrace offers an immersive experience of fragrance, light, and wind—a micro-forest nestled within the urban fabric. By integrating the spirit of a forest into the city, Kengo Kuma has created an architectural ideal that reconnects people with nature. Through this Green Terrace, visitors find moments of peace amid the chaos, rediscovering the timeless beauty of fragrance and the natural world.
Location | Shibuya, Tokyo
Area | 491㎡
Team | Minoru Yokoo, Yutaro Ota, Nanako Adachi, Yohei Mochizuki, Fumiya Kaneko, Yoo Shiho, Kyoko Mase
Construction | Matsushita Industry
Cooperation | Ejiri Structural Engineers
Facility | Kankyo Engineering
Illumination | Daiko Electric Company
Award | Wood City Tokyo Model Architecture Award – Grand Prize
