Architecture connects us to place and time as shown in these buildings in the Kansai region. These buildings were created to reflect the mood of the region, make an aesthetic statement, and push the boundaries of technology. Let's take a look at architectural developments focusing on major buildings built in recent years. Nara Centennial Hall (NARA Prefecture) Built with new technology in a pantadome construction method. Springs Hiyoshi (KYOTO Prefecture) Landscape built in harmony with the dam Wakayama Big Whale (WAKAYAMA Prefecture) Representing local culture with whale and tree motif The Wakasa wan Energy Research Center (FUKUI Prefecture) The future and clarity of research expressed through architecture SPring-8 (Harima Science Garden City) (HYOGO Prefecture) Large-scale radiation facility, a technopolis center Kyoto Station Building (KYOTO) Incorporating a plaza atmosphere conducive to leisurely strolls Umeda Sky Building (OSAKA) Twin towers connected by a mid-air garden Osaka Prefectural Children's Museum Big Bang (OSAKA Prefecture) A form that communicates the energy of dreams Mie Center for the Arts (MIE Prefecture) Layout based on dual concept Tokushima Bunka-no-Mori Park (TOKUSHIMA Prefecture) Group of cultural facilities keeps clear view of the mountains Biwako Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Shiga (SHIGA Prefecture) First 4-layout stage hall in Western Japan for operatic performances The Otsuka Museum of Art (TOKUSHIMA Prefecture) 1,000 ceramic tile masterpieces on display underground Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel (KOBE) Its silhouette broadens the appeal of the bay scenery Yokkaichi Dome (MIE Prefecture) Form and structure creating a sense of openness All images Copyright. 1997 Kansai International Public Relations Promotion Office.All Rights Reserved.