Mito National Government Building for Ministry of Justice

The site is close to the city center including JR Mito Station and adjacent to the San-no-Maru Historic District, represented by Kodokan (the largest han school in Japan) and Ibaraki Prefecture’s San-no-Maru Government Building. The building of low height harmonizes with the townscape and nature through the buffer zone with greenery that maintains distance from the Sanomaru Historic District. Traditional motifs such as lattice and bamboo blinds are used in combination for the façade to blend in with the history and landscape and also to reduce sunlight. The lower level of the building is extended and designed with a transparent and clear façade, realizing an open government building. Public areas such as the entrance hall and cafeteria are clad with wood to create a soft and warm atmosphere for visitors.