River Station: Plan of Hydrophilic Space in Hiroshima

Abstract

I have designed a "River Station", which will act as a landing dock for boats, on the river in front of Hiroshima Station in order to remind people of the city's status as the "City of Water". Skeleton of Hiroshima City formed around the path of its river, and the river also played an important role in the city's history. Before the war, the river was a big part of daily life, with one of its uses being to transport supplies. However, the part of the river that runs through central Hiroshima is now bound on both sides many roads and buildings, and people have become estranged from it. Hiroshima City is actually now in the process of being developed as a "City of Water", but there is as yet very little public awareness of this aspect of the city. The site, the riverfront area in front of Hiroshima Station, is lined with buildings and is filled with different kinds of people coming and going, but they all just pass through without paying attention to the river. That is why I have devised this plan to bring life back to the river area and restore people's familiarity with the waterfront