Rhythm City Niigata Plaza
Niigata-Futurism: The concept of "Niigata-Futurism" is central to the project's identity, aiming to blend Niigata's rich heritage with a forward-looking technological vision. The "Futurism" is embodied by the integration of advanced technology, which should align with Niigata City's existing "NIIGATA XR PROJECT," which utilizes extended reality (XR) technology to empower citizens in creating industrial and cultural content, including 3D city maps and local creator development at such a venue. Functionally, the Plaza will serve as a pivotal hub for a "interactive arts center" known for its varied offerings that will prioritize human-centric experiences, ensuring it is a place where innovation flourishes, cultural expression is celebrated, and people naturally connect and interact both digitally and in person. Artistic urban development that is deeply rooted in local identity yet forward-looking in its technological and great environmental aspirations with its deep connection to rivers and the rest of nature.
XR Technology: STYLY, the spatial computing platform adopted by Niigata, is actively seeking global partners for Proof of Concept (PoC) collaborations specifically focused on the application of XR technology in urban settings. It works as a showcase for existing XR technology; it is designed to be a dynamic, evolving environment where new XR applications—for urban content, interactive advertising, personalized information, and community engagement—are continuously developed, tested, and refined in real-time, with direct participation from local citizens and creators.
Architecture: The Future of Manufacturing and Shipping is met with the style as innovatives find out about the roots of the prefecture. Niigata works towards technological innovations and the look and appearance as well as display of this technology needs to be as important as its super-famous agriculture scene and talk through the art form of building shapes. It would be quite interesting to see a mixture of techniques and looks where it could compete with the futuristic feel of some of Tokyo's best buildings. As a shopping-city it would clearly communicate the future with the look to its residents to have them understand that they can overcome the idea that Niigata is old and that it can clearly pave a way to the future whenever they drive by, walk by, or see a building that says "Future". Those who have helped shape the look of Niigata Modernity and Futuristic feel has been. Architect Itsuko Hasegawa who designed the Ryutopia Niigata City Performing Arts Center with touches of modern-ryokan look of Ashida Architect & Associates (ryogon ryokan) + Kengo Kuma. The architectural design must prioritize genuine public accessibility, seamless community integration, and human-scale experiences at every level. This means designing inviting entry points, permeable ground floors, accessible rooftop parks, and flexible interior spaces that encourage diverse activities and spontaneous interactions. The Plaza should feel like an organic, indispensable part of daily life for Niigata's residents, rather than a distant attraction. It ensures that the significant investment in this futuristic development translates into tangible benefits for the local community, fostering a strong sense of ownership, pride, and continuous utilization, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of grand but ultimately disconnected urban projects.
Architecture as a Landscape: Drawing from Hasegawa's pioneering explorations of transparent and translucent surfaces, the Plaza will feature extensive use of glass, layered polycarbonate skins, and innovative fabric elements that project and choreograph reflected light. This will create dynamic visual effects, a pervasive sense of openness, and a delicate interplay between interior and exterior spaces. A core tenet of the design will be the prioritization of a "richly rendered set of sensory experiences". This means meticulously incorporating elements that engage sight, sound, and touch. Examples include designing spaces to capture the rhythmic sound of waves, the subtle scent of the sea, the tactile quality of natural materials, and the captivating play of sunlight and shadow. Flexible partitions and movable furniture will empower users to control the degree of openness and their interaction with the surrounding environment. The Plaza will showcase a sophisticated fusion of traditional and modern materials, mirroring Hasegawa's innovative use of earthen building techniques combined with contemporary materials like aluminum and titanium. Her characteristic design evolution from mass volume to intricate small geometric shapes will be applied, perhaps through modular facade elements, intricate interior divisions, or integrated structural patterns. Crucially, the Plaza's roof will be conceptualized as an accessible "city park," echoing Hasegawa's design for Niigata's Ryutopia , providing expansive green spaces and inviting public interaction areas. The texture of the natural landscape will be subtly introduced through techniques such as mixing soil into mortar finishes or embedding stones and shells into walkways and reflective pools. The Plaza will profoundly embody Itsuko Hasegawa's philosophy of "architecture as landscape" and "second nature". This approach aims to create fluid, human-centric spaces that merge seamlessly with the natural world, effectively designing the building itself as an extension of the environment rather than an isolated, imposing object. Hasegawa's concern for local communities and her desire to create "a park for the community instead of a modern monument" will guide the design of the Plaza's public spaces, ensuring they are genuinely embraced and utilized by residents, addressing her past frustrations with underutilized large public facilities.
Harmony with Nature and Public Interaction
Kengo Kuma's "anti-object" philosophy will be a fundamental guiding principle, emphasizing continuity and interconnectedness over the creation of discrete, isolated architectural structures. The Plaza will be designed to seamlessly integrate with its surroundings, drawing profound inspiration from natural topology and the inherent qualities of the site itself. A strong prioritization of natural materials such as wood and stone will be evident throughout half of the Plaza. These materials will not only imbue the spaces with warmth and authenticity but also significantly contribute to reducing the building's environmental impact. They will be employed in innovative techniques to showcase their inherent beauty and sustainability, moving beyond mere functional use. The design will actively foster a profound, intimate connection between the occupants and their surroundings. This includes the incorporation of extensive greenery, strategically placed green roofs, and maximizing the ingress of natural light. Open, permeable spaces will invite public engagement and offer expansive views of the natural landscape, mirroring the success of projects like the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum. Kuma's strong emphasis on designing open, inviting spaces that actively encourage public interaction will be a core tenet of the Plaza. This will ensure it functions as a vibrant hub that fosters social connections, similar to the community-centric design of the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center. The overall scale and dimensions of the structure will be aligned with the natural environment that is facing the green space around the complex to ensure seamless integration and avoid an imposing presence.
Thematics by Weaving Memory and Modernity
The Plaza will strategically blend traditional Japanese architectural elements with modern luxury and comfort, drawing inspiration from the successful renovation of Ryugon Ryokan that was done by Ashida Architect & Associates. The design will engage with the intangible presence of Niigata's history and cultural memory, inviting visitors to layer their own thoughts and feelings onto the space, creating a personal connection. Traditional elements such as sliding shoji doors, tatami flooring, and engawa verandas will be reinterpreted in a contemporary context, perhaps as flexible, translucent partitions, integrated lounge areas, or dynamic spatial dividers. Recessed tokanoma alcoves could be modernized to serve as elegant displays for digital art, interactive exhibits, or curated local crafts. Drawing directly from Ashida's innovative use of patterns to evoke memory and connection to place , the Plaza will incorporate symbolic motifs related to Niigata's unique history, its defining industries (such as rice cultivation, sake brewing, or its maritime port heritage), or its prominent natural features (like snow, the Shinano River, or the Sea of Japan). These patterns could be subtly integrated into facades, flooring, ceiling treatments, or dynamic digital displays. For instance, a modern, abstract interpretation of the "Seigaiha" (blue ocean wave) pattern could be used to symbolize Niigata's identity as a thriving port city. The Plaza's spatial composition will be thoughtfully designed to create a sense of anticipation, discovery, and narrative flow. This might involve dynamic pathways that guide visitors through varied experiences, changes in floor levels to create distinct zones, and strategic placement of public and more intimate, contemplative areas. Communal spaces will maintain an "honest expression of materials and forms" , potentially showcasing exposed structural elements , while seamlessly integrating modern amenities and comforts.
Approach: The architectural philosophies of Ashida, Kengo Kuma, and Itsuko Hasegawa, when combined, suggest a departure from the cold, rigid, and imposing futurism often associated with earlier architectural movements that is so pronounced in Niigata City. Instead, they advocate for a "soft futurism." Ashida's work is noted for transforming "the old traditional... to reflect the landscape and history to form structures that appear like snow country, organic and welcoming". Kuma consistently emphasizes lightness, transparency, and spatial fluidity in his designs. Hasegawa speaks of creating a "translucent world of emotions and the supple and comfortable space woven by nature". This "soft futurism" for Rhythm City Niigata Plaza means that while advanced materials (glass, steel, concrete) will be utilized, they will be manipulated and designed to create organic, inviting, and human-scaled spaces. The architecture will prioritize sensory comfort, natural light, and a sense of flow, making the futuristic environment feel approachable and welcoming rather than alienating. This approach is crucial for ensuring the Plaza's long-term success and public acceptance, transforming a potentially intimidating futuristic structure into a beloved urban landmark that genuinely enhances the human experience, fostering a sense of belonging and comfort within a technologically advanced setting.
Focus: Hasegawa's profound focus on multi-sensory experiences , incorporating elements like the sun glistening on the ocean, rising tides, rhythmic waves, the scent of the sea, and raindrops, highlights architecture's ability to evoke feeling. Kengo Kuma's designs are deeply integrated with nature and local context. Ashida Architect & Associates uses symbolic patterns and aims to evoke intangible memories, inviting visitors' imaginations. The combination of these approaches suggests that the Plaza's architecture will go beyond mere visual aesthetics; it will tell a story. Rhythm City Niigata Plaza won't just look futuristic; it will feel like making the old new again with Niigata's future. This means incorporating architectural and design elements that evoke Niigata's specific natural environment (e.g., the texture of snow, the flow of the Shinano River, the vastness of the Sea of Japan) and its rich cultural heritage (e.g., the craftsmanship of sake production, the agricultural landscape, traditional arts) through carefully chosen material textures, dynamic light play, subtle ambient sounds, and integrated digital and physical art installations.
Advanced Transportation: To truly embody "Niigata-Futurism" and ensure broad appeal to all target audiences, the project should champion and integrate advanced mobility solutions. This extends beyond merely ensuring basic public transport access. It necessitates collaboration with local governments and technology providers to implement demand-responsive transport (DRT). Seamless digital payment integration, perhaps by expanding the existing "Ryuto card" system or linking with popular tourist-friendly payment applications, would further streamline the visitor experience. It could set a new standard to regional entertainment complexes.
Shopping:
The Shopping plaza would feature around 150 shops, offering a wide variety of goods, including popular Japanese, international fashion brands, character goods, cosmetics, souvenirs, and more.
Gundam Base: (vs. Disney Store):
Cinnamoroll Japan Store & Cinnamoroll Sweet Cafe: (vs. Hello Kitty Japan Diver City & Pompompurin Cafe Shibuya)
Death Note Shinigami Shop Niigata: (vs. One Piece Strawhat Pirates Shop Tokyo Diver City)
Hades Well of Charon Wares: (vs. Everything Minecraft Store Diver City)
ABC-Mart Grand Stage (vs. ABC-Mart Grand Stage Diver City)
New Balance: (vs. Sketcher's- Diver City, Van's Aqua City)
Ai Ai by Osaruno Mai: is a kawaii-shop that makes a unique brand of plushies that have a really nice feeling fabric and known to be chunky-chonky cute.
?????????: (vs. Flava Hat)
?????????: (vs. Gran Camper Van Tokyo- Aqua City)
?????????: (vs. Kaneko Optical- Aqua City)
?????????: (vs. Anitouch Animal Cafe)
?????????: (vs. Pharmacy Drug Store)
Noix de Beurre: (vs. ?????) It is a cookie shop that is packaged and is in the Nordic-style with many of its branches being in Ginza and Shinjuku.
Food
The Dining in the plaza would have a "Niigata " food court with various restaurants and cafes serving diverse cuisines, from Japanese to international options.
Food Court Area
Mikazuki Itaria: (vs. Ringer Hut- Aqua City/ Hanamaru Udon-Diver City) Itaria Yakisoba that was eaten in Furumachi, Niigata.
Rokube Tainai: (vs.) Freshly ground soba
Yotteke-tei 寄ってけ亭: (vs. Nihonbashi Tendon)
Katsudon Tarekatsu: (vs. Oyakodon Torikai) Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu has stores all over the country and is owned by Nobuaki Abe, CEO of Lagoon International Co, who wanted a taste of his home prefecture.
??????????: (vs. Pork Stamina Sutadon- Diver City)
Yukimuro Kaitensushi (Shibata x Bandai): (vs. Tokyo Sushi Street- Kaiten Sushi by Itamae Sushi) an affordable revolving sushi restaurant that focuses on ingredients from Niigata with automated rice-shaping technology of: maki-rollers, gunkan rice molds, rice-mixers, and tablet ordering system. It would compete with other kaiten chains such as Uobei. It would be in assistance with Koshihikari Farms, guidance from Tokiwa Sushi's third-generation owner Kosuke Kobayashi, and a collaboration with Benkei Pier Bandai.
??????????: (vs. Osaka Takoyaki Iron Grill- Aqua City/ Tsukiji Gindaco- Diver City)
: (vs. Arijou Chinese Food)
Suzuvel: (vs. Green x Green Salads)
??????????: (vs. Stone Factory Stone Plate- Aqua City/Vegetejiya- Diver City)
Yasuke Curry: (vs. Curry Amara- Diver City) is the store name of owner Kensuke Sato's ancestors in Joetsu. The establishment is known for their "Rich shrimp broth seafood curry" and experimentations that make it exciting.
Gelateria Popolo: (vs. Milky 70 Fujiya- Aqua City/ Baskin Robbins- Diver City) would use various pudding developed at by a specialty shop in Agano City "Hyokeya" x "Gelateria Popolo". This would be a unique offering at Rhythm City and allow variations of Pudding to be developed like: Agano Pudding, Vanilla Panna Cotta, Chocolate Pudding, and Salted Caramel Pudding.
The Baroque (Niigata Coffee Donya): (vs. Starbucks Coffee- Aqua City/Excelsior Cafe- Diver City)
Pedra Branca Pancakes: (vs. Hobson's Ice Cream Crepes- Aqua City/ Creparie Kenny's- Diver City) owner of the cafe Pedra Blanca in Shinagawa Ward's Togoshi Ginza shopping arcade are from Niigata with the family running a rice store in Uonuma City that provides the Niigata Rice Flour for sweets.
Greggs Japan (UK): (vs. Taco Bell- Aqua City/ McDonalds- Diver City) it would aim to be the first Greggs in Japan.
Burger King: (vs. Wendy's- Aqua City/ Carl's Jr- Diver City) burger king has a grilled char that is enjoyed in snow country as it heats up the air. It would be a familiar option for American visitors and be an alternative to the usual McDonalds chain.
Stellar Fruits Juice: (vs. Gong Cha Bubble Tea Shop- Aqua City/ Tully's Coffee- Diver City) it is a next-generation forward thinking drink company that sells the ever so popular Croffles and seasonal drinks of course with a main menu as well. It is run by Ubu Kato is an up and coming in the Niigata-drink market. To compete with Gong Cha Bubble Tea Shop there will be much more development into a even stronger business for stellar fruits juice.
Dine-In Area
Mahaloha Burger: (vs. Kua'aina Burger- Aqua City)
Nora Cucina Niigata Abumi Ten: (vs. Pesce D'oro Tokyo- Aqua City/ Pizzeria D'Oro Rome- Diver City)
Issaku Niigata いっさく 新潟松崎店: (vs. Bunk Sandwiches- Aqua City)
?????????: (vs. Red Lobster- Aqua City)
Shakey's Pizza [Pizza Buffet]: (vs. The Oven American Buffet- Aqua City)
Katsuichi Shirone [Katsudon]: (vs. Okonomiyaki- Aqua City/ Teppan Food Stall- Diver City)
??????????: (vs. Longboard Cafe- Aqua City/ Hamburger & Steak- Diver City)
??????????: (vs. Odaiba High-Class Rice Bowls)
Motsuyaki Den: (vs. Haibana Okinawan Restaurant) Sado Katsuhiko Uchida, president of the popular chain "Motsuyaki Den," which has seven stores mainly in Tokyo, is from Sado City.
Seafood Restaurant Sabaya: (vs. Tsukiji Restaurant Gen-chan)
??????????: (vs. Tsuruhashi Fugetsu Okonomiyaki- Aqua City)
??????????: (vs. Shinshu Soba Sojibo Restaurant- Diver City)
??????????: (vs. Odaiba High-Class Rice Bowls)
Barbecue Kingdom Shibata (バーベキュー王国): (vs. The Barbeque Beach Grill Area+Odaiba Inari Shrine)
?????: (vs. Sizzler-Aqua City/Great Steak- Diver City)
Steak Gusto Restaurant (Chain): (vs. Pom's Tree) is a chain by Skylark.
??????????: (vs. TGI Fridays- Aqua City/ Wahoo's Tacos -Diver City)
??????????: (vs. Shabu Shabu Roku- Aqua City/ Korean Choju Ha Hanshubo- Diver City)
Ken's House of Pancakes: (vs. Egg's & Things- Aqua City/ La Ohana- Diver City)
Ramen Arena Area
Japan "Niigata Culinary Arena": (vs. Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai)
??????????: (vs. Kanazawa Shinsen Ramen)
??????????: (vs. Kawagoe Next Level Ramen-ya)
??????????: (vs. Fukuoka Hakata Daruma Ramen)
Jinya Chuka Soba (Sendai Chuka Soba) 仙台中華蕎麦 仁屋: (vs. Sapporo Misono Ramen) representing Miyagi prefecture would be Jinya Chuka Soba. It is the second store from the famous Ramen Shizuka. Its broth has a generous flavor a sardines and pork bones that is contrasted with citrus.
Iroha Noodles (Toyama Black): (vs. Chinese Chicken Ramen) is by chef Kiyoshi Kurihara ranked number one in sales five times at the Tokyo Ramen Show and represents Toyama Prefecture. It comes to the ramen arena as a competitor of some of the best restaurants are gathered to battle one another with the customer being the jury.
Tsumugi Mugi Ramen (Niigata Ginger Shoyu): (vs. Senmon Hirugao Shio Ramen) is a store from Furumachi, Niigata City, owned by Legendary Ramen Chef Yuji Saito.
Theme Dine-In Area
Entertainment: The Entertainment would offer several entertainment facilities, including:
Grandeur Stadium: (vs. Round 1) A entertainment complex with bowling alley area, karaoke & recording area, billiards & darts area, game center, indoor skatepark area, family & kids area (baby sitting area, massage chairs+obstacle course). (ref. Grand Bowl)
Rumiko Takahashi Museum Niigata: (vs Poop Museum Tokyo) was also located there for a time but has since moved.
Accessibility: To overcome Niigata's current public transport limitations and ensure seamless access for all visitors, the project should invest in advanced mobility solutions. This includes developing user-friendly digital tools for travel planning and exploring partnerships for demand-responsive transport or shuttle services from key transportation hubs like Niigata Station. Integrating with Japan's national initiatives for automated driving could further enhance the futuristic appeal and efficiency of visitor transport within the complex's vicinity.
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