SEE SEA Park by Osamu Morishita Architect & Associates

Located in Ohi-town, Fukui Prefecture, SEE SEA Park by Osamu Morishita Architect & Associates is a visionary cultural and commercial hub that bridges the connection between the mountains and the sea. Completed in 2022, this 2,740 m² project redefines public space through architectural innovation, environmental sensitivity, and a strong connection to community life.

The project was commissioned through a competition initiated by the local government with the goal of creating a flexible, future-oriented “challenge shop” and incubation space for new businesses. The architects responded by designing a space that is not defined by monumental forms, but instead by spatial density, rhythm, and openness—inspired by the way traditional Japanese villages cluster naturally around topography.

At its core, SEE SEA Park is composed of 72 structural units that combine air-filled ETFE membranes with cedar louvers. This modular system functions much like a “down jacket,” regulating heat, light, and airflow in harmony with the surrounding climate. Rather than isolating visitors with high-insulation walls, the architecture embraces gentle environmental control—connecting the built environment with nature, culture, and people.

The transparent ETFE roof diffuses sunlight into the interiors, filling the space with soft, natural light while maintaining a dynamic connection to the changing sky. The structure integrates sustainability and traditional wisdom, echoing the passive cooling and open atmosphere of historical Japanese houses while reinterpreting them for modern use.

By weaving together architecture, landscape, and community, SEE SEA Park creates a vibrant gathering place that is at once innovative and familiar. It invites people to experience new forms of business, leisure, and cultural exchange within an adaptable, climate-responsive environment.

All Photographs are works of Tomoki Hahakura