Space

Nakazato Elementary and Junior High School

Extra Form

Country	Japan
Year	2024
Award	GRAND PRIZE
Client	Hitachi City
Affiliation	MIKAMI Architects Co., Ltd.
Designer	Kazuhiko Mashiko
English	The site is located in the Nakazato district, away from the center of Hitachi city. It is a small, specialized school that combines an elementary school and a junior high school. The school building is situated along the Sato River, which flows through the area on the south side, in a large arc under rows of cherry blossom trees. Looking out of the windows, the scenery moves with each step, and each place is a picture of the landscape. The timber structure of the school building echoes the richness of the local natural environment, and the timber interior creates a warm and cozy learning space for the children.
Native	里川沿いに弧を描く 太平洋沿岸に広がる日立製作所HITACHIの発祥の地日立市の中で、中里地区は市街地から山を越えなくては行けない。かつてHITACHIの前身である日立鉱山労働者の社宅があったことから日立市に編入されたが、今では日立鉱山はなくなり、中里地区は寂れた山里になっている。 中里小中学校は、その山間に建つ小学校と中学校が一体となった小さな学校である。1学年の人数は10人程度だが、地域の子供達だけではその数にも満たなく、日立市全域から子どもを呼び、地域に活力を与えることが企図された。 敷地は、小高い山が迫るかつて中里中学校が建っていた場所である。その運動場の南側に流れる里川に沿って円弧を描くように新校舎を配置し、北側の山裾に広がる中里の集落を囲い込むようなイメージを与えたと同時に、毎朝子どもたちを迎え入れる表情を創り出した。 元の二つの学校が地域住民との活動を促進していた状況を踏まえ、学年の独立性と異学年、地域との交流を図るために、新校舎の１階は学校全員で集まれる場所や他の学年の活動が日常的に感じられるマルチスペースを中心に、演奏、創作、実験、調理コーナーを配置し、融通性のある空間とした。普通教室は小学校低・中・高学年、中学校と４つのクラスターを２階に置き、それぞれに階段を設けて独立性を高めた。 そして、豊かな自然を感じられるロケーションと対応し、子供達が地域文化を継承しながら木の温もりに包まれて勉強できる空間とするために、構造は無垢材による在来構法木造を採用した。
Website	www.mikami-arc.co.jp
Positive Comments
Judging Comments	Nakazato Elementary and Junior High School, designed by Kazuhiko Mashiko, was awarded the 'Grand Prize' at the Asia Design Prize 2024 for its harmonious integration with the natural environment and innovative educational space design. The jury admired the school's strategic location along the Sato River, utilizing the scenic beauty of cherry blossoms to enhance the learning environment. The use of timber in both structure and interiors, drawing from the local natural resources, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that fosters learning and wellbeing among students. This design not only respects the local context and landscape but also sets a new standard for educational facilities that prioritize environmental harmony and student-centric spaces.

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