Arcrea Himeji (Himeji Culture and Convention Center)

Surrounded by railroad tracks, the site is located in Himeji City, a major city in western Japan with a view of the World Heritage Site “Himeji Castle.”Lush green parks and architectural elements connect the area from the nearest Himeji Station to the adjacent hospital as a continuous pedestrian space. A distinctive feature is its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, such as exhibition halls and conference rooms, enabling it to function not only as a hub for culture and the arts (the hall) but also as a center for knowledge that encompasses industry.The design aims to allow visitors to casually engage with cultural and creative industries as they pass through the building, offering new discoveries every day. At the same time, it seeks to convey the unique charm of Himeji as an international tourist destination through features such as the symbolic interior and exterior design—which layers bricks inspired by stone walls—and its high-performance auditorium.