Sendai, Japan
Sendai Mediatheque
Toyo Ito
Completed: 2000
To most people, building an all-glass structure that unapologetically soars into the air in a region prone to earthquakes might seem like architectural hubris of the highest order. Not to Japanese architect Toyo Ito, however. His design for the Sendai Mediatheque, a multi-purpose arts and culture center built in the city of Sendai in Japan, is a master class in how to harness innovative technology to achieve an extraordinary visual effect. Thirteen steel-ribbed shafts soar from the basement through seven floors to the open rooftop. Not only do these columns provide the necessary foundations and stability for the building but they also act as light wells, with devices positioned on the roof to reflect sunlight into the building. They are also vertical connectors for network cables and all of the building's wiring. The two floors below ground, meanwhile, feature additional high tech mechanisms to absorb any potential seismic energy should an earthquake hit. Upper vents on the glass south facade reduce the need for air conditioning.
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