Yodoyabashi Yamamoto Building

This small-scale office building stands in Yodoyabashi, the heart of Osaka's business district creating a distinctive presence with its fine grained external precast concrete (PC) column structure contrasting with the glass walls containing the office space. Vertical loads are supported by the PC, while horizontal forces are absorbed into the core and earthquake-resistant panels that form a large "M" shape on the eastern facade. The universal office floor, completely free of pillars, has full-height windows of double-paned glass that fill rooms with gentle natural light. Under-floor air conditioning systems and direct-mounted, custom-designed line lighting fixtures make for a spacious interior.

• JAAF Award 2007