Yokohama Port Terminal Yokohama, JapanThe Yokohama Port Terminal designed by Foreign Office Architects was created in 1995. FOA modernized the what is also known as the Osanbashi Pier, an international cruise ship docking station.

Jacqueline Tran

Yokohama Port Terminal

FORM

ROOF LEVEL

MAIN FLOOR

PARKING LEVEL

EVERYDAY USER

PEDESTRIAN CUSTOMER

PARKING CUSTOMER

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

35

CirculationThe utilization and perception of the space is constantly modified by the size and arrangement of the ships. The major circulation paths become evident during high traffic times but the gentle curves of the structure allow people to flow almost completely unrestricted. The two distinct flows are that of embarking and disembarking, the two overlap constantly, and adding minor circulatory flows such as visitor and passenger pick up, completely bring the architecture to life.

DETERMINANT OF FORM CIRCULATION

FORM

EVERYDAY USER

PEDESTRIAN CUSTOMER

PARKING CUSTOMER

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

City of Yokohama

APPROACh PARKING PARKING EXIT

TERMINAL PLAZA VISITORS TERRACE ENTRANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

PUBLIC HALLRESTAURANT

COMERCIAL ENTRANCE

COMERCIAL ZONE

VISITOR ENTRANCE TERMINAL ENTRANCE ARRIVE/DEPARTURE HALL EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE EMBARKMENT TERRACE

Architecture 489

Adam Rohaly

Structure Innovations: Yokohama Port Terminal

34

CITY OF YOKOHAMA

VISITOR ENTERANCE

APPROACH

TERMINAL PLAZZA

TERMINAL ENTERANCE

RESTARAUNTS

VISITOR TERRACE

ARRIVE/DEPART HALL

EXIT TO PARKING

COMMERCIAL ZONE

COMM. ENTERANCE

EXIT TO VISITORS TERRACE

PUBLIC HALL

ENTERANCE TO PUBLIC HALL

EMBARKMENT TERRACE

CIRCULATION SEQUENCE

PARKING

The circulation sequence shows the nodes of interest as one would approach and enter the port from the city. the approach

.ecneuqes ralucihev dna nairtsedep swohsOne can perceive how the programmatic elements are merely zones and there is no concrete separation between zones of program and circulation. the overlap-ping zones provide for the diagram at right where only the beginning and end of the sequence are nonoverlapping nodes.

ROOF LEVEL

MAIN FLOOR

VISULATION OF CIRCULATION COURTESY OF FOA ARCHITECTS

DRAWINGS FROM COMPETITION ENTRY FOR YOKOHAMA INTERNATION PORT TERMINAL

PARKING LEVEL

“Pliancy implies first an internal flexibility and second a dependance on

external forces for self definition.” (Lynn 8)

At the onset of the Yokohama Project, the client’s original concept was based on the Japanese term ‘Niwaminato’. ‘Niwaminato’ refers to garden. This concept invited FOA to marry the idea of a garden with the port terminal. In order to create a port which also functioned as a garden, FOA decided to make the port an extension of the public space of

the city to the water. Thus allowing the traffic (pedestrian, car, passenger) or circulation diagrams drove the form. The circulation created the positive and negative spaces. The negative space on one floor would become the positive space of another level. The hill on one floor would serve as passage for the floor below. Like, Gregg Lynn’s pliant form which “exhibit a fluid logic of connectivity” and a “dependency on external forces for self definition” , the Yokohama project form is fluid, and is moulded by the external force of the traffic that traverses and inhabits it.

CITATIONS Allen, Stan. “ Notations + Diagrams: Mapping the Intangible”. Practice: Architecture, Technique and Representaion,Routledge, 2000.

FORM

ROOF

LEVEL

MAIN

FLOORBODYShAFT

FOOT

FACE

BASE

CAPITAL

PARKING LEVEL

Like the classical skyscraper, the terminal also has a beginning, middle and end. At the base, the terminal retains all of it’s ‘dirty’ objects (cars, mechanical systems). Just like feet, these objects which are placed in such a way so that it can be out sight, out of mind. Like a skyscraper, the terminal houses the ‘business end’ at the shaft, this includes the arrival/departure gates, customs. The skyscraper and the body retain most of the offices, operating systems and ‘organs’ in the shaft. At the capital, the terminal employs the roof level, the equivalent of a decorative cap. This decorative cap like the body, focuses on views. Either this be the views from the undulating landscape produced by FOA or the Minatoa Mirai 21 project across the water.

The question becomes isn’t all architecture based on the classical column? The dirty end that sits on the floor deals with storage and the mechanical systems, the business core of the building housed in the column, and the calmer decorative side with the view which comes out of the top of the building.

Circulation, is a purely human event, it speaks little of the environment, and if it does it is through the lens of human activity. As the predominant factor contributing to the form of this building it speaks to Weinstock’s observation,

The true prototype of the tall office building is

the classical column,consisting of base, shaft and capital

it should have a beginning, a middle, and an ending ,

each clearly defined” (Sullivan 206)- Louis Sullivan

Whereas biological

evolution has adapted all other living species

to their environments,

the evolution of human culture

has adapted environments to the human species

(Weinstock, Nature and Civilization 25)

CITATIONS Sullivan, Louis. “ The Tall Building Artistically Considered”. Kindergarten Chats and other Writings, Dover Publications, 1979.

Weinstock, Michael. “Nature and Civilization”. The Architecture of Emergence: The Evolution of Form in Nature and Civilization, John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2010.

BODY

Yokohama Port Terminal

The perceived ‘loss’

of the body began, as we have noted,

with the Romantic sublime...The body became an object of nostalgia

rather than a model of harmony... for example the ‘parts’ that ,

in Mary Shelley’s story of Frankenstein, never could be assembled

into anything but a monster...

(Vidler 7).

v

With the emergence of technologythe human body saw it’s end.

CITATIONS Vidler, Anthony “ The Buildng in Pain: The Body and Architecture in Post-Modern Culture” AA Files 19, Architectural Association.

=+ + +

BODY

Although FOA’s terminal was built only in 1995, it urges the beginnings of parametricism determining form. The form of the terminal was determined by the parameters of flow and circulation, both acting on the surface of the ports floors. The terminal’s floors are commonly referred to as skin but I am reluctant to do so as the term skin implies interior and exterior. The form of the Yokohama Port Terminal may have had origins from the body but if so, this body has undergone so many transformations that it no longer has any

reference to the body. These transformations are part of an effort to seek an ideal which is not from the body but an ideal that no human body can become, the automaton.