Exploring Japan - A Visit to the Kyoto Concert Hall

The Kyoto Concert Hall was a building that I had on my list of locations to visit in Kyoto. It's actually just around the corner from both the Botanic Gardens and the Garden of Fine Arts designed by architect Tadao Ando, all of which are really nice locations and are worth seeing if you have some spare time in Kyoto. I was surprised by quietness of this area around the Kitayama Station, it's extremely peaceful which compliments the nature park that's situated close by to the station.

This concert hall opened in 1995 and was designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. Arata has designed many interesting projects over the years, his trademark style being quite modular and tending to gravitate towards using a limited colour palette. The Zona Franca office located in Barcelona is especially interesting, a grid like structure with a combination of blue, green and white dots that scatter the glass windows. I found the Kyoto Concert Hall very different on the other hand, using a sleek black facade on the main tube towards the front of the building, with the tiles and windows on side following a grid-like pattern. The front is actually more flowing in style and has a metallic feel that I found very intriguing.

Overall a unique building that I wanted to capture here for all of you to enjoy. This is one of the more recognisable 'modernist buildings' in the city and is certainly a creative space to walk around, both inside and out. Japanese buildings are sometimes seen as very functional but this one had the feeling of being 'business up front but party in the back'. Wow, I never thought I would use that phrase in a written piece. haha Anyway, check out the imagery and let me know what you think in the comments section below.