The courtyard within the facility was a place where inmates could envision a connection to the outside world. Hiroki Hasegawa of Studio Onsite, who designed the garden, referred to it as the "outside within," expressing a yearning for the world beyond.
Architect Hiroki Hasegawa of Onsite Climate Design pursued a concept contrasting with the imposing red-brick walls: "a landscape that could never have existed in a prison." Once an "inside-out" courtyard where inmates yearned for the outside, it is now a modern sanctuary. The contrast is vivid—indoor tension versus outdoor light, and liberation within towering walls.
Breathing vibrant life into grand architecture of national prestige, trees and flora take center stage. Pathways are designed in a zigzag pattern to encourage mindful wandering, with chairs and tables inviting guests to pause and feel the changing seasons. Harmonizing with history, this courtyard features thoughtful plantings that celebrate a revolving canvas of spring blossoms and autumn hues.
At dusk, the courtyard transforms, revealing a mystical character. Mr. Hasegawa envisioned a space that does not sink into the night, but "emerges" within the light. Soft illumination brushes pathways, seating, and flora, bringing three-dimensional silhouettes to life. This design beautifully reframes the grim image of prison architecture, enhancing the view from the lounge and evening strolls.
