Engura Lookout, a cultural building funded by the Odawara Art Foundation, is nestled in a hilly citrus grove in Odawara, overlooking the stunning Sagami Bay. Designed by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, the lookout serves as a forum for spreading art and culture within Japan and globally. It boasts a gallery space, two stages, a teahouse, and other supporting spaces, harmoniously blending with the majestic landscape.
The building houses a 100-meter-long gallery showcasing Hiroshi Sugimoto’s works. It also features outdoor stone and glass stages for events and programs. The picturesque Odawara district, nestled against the Hakone Mountains and overlooking Sagami Bay, is a significant natural heritage site. The lookout comprises various functional spaces, including art exhibition galleries, stone and glass stages, a teahouse, gardens, multiple gateways, and offices. Each structure incorporates traditional Japanese architectural styles and techniques, providing visitors with a vivid glimpse into the history of Japanese architecture. The lookout aims to revive traditional construction techniques that have been on the verge of extinction and pass them on to future generations.
Project Information:
Architect: Hiroshi Sugimoto + New Material Research Laboratory
Location: Odawara, Kanagawa, Japan
Year: 2017
Photography: Marco Zanta