Yokohama Port Terminal

Yokohama Pier is both a cruise ship terminal and mixed-use cultural center—a threshold to distant shores and a connection between city and waterfront. These two distinct uses inspired the concept of two long bars that pivot around a central point. Each end splits open, one to receive the sea and one to create a protected marina. Located along the northern edge of the pier, the passenger terminal has a series of sequential spaces that process travelers for their journey. In contrast, the cultural mixer is an animated venue housing a museum, film center, galleries, bars, restaurants and gardens. Two long buildings converge at the pivot point, a large bubble-like atrium where the various programs—information, entertainment, education, culture and transportation—collide to create a vibrant urban nexus. At the topmost level of the cruise terminal, bars and restaurants cantilever over the atrium. Wrapping the bubble, a giant screen pulsing with images and information is viewed from the bay.