The lobby is conceived as a spatial essay, anchored by Wild Hops, a suspended iron sculpture by Rie Kawakami commemorating Japan’s 1871 discovery of wild hops in Iwanai. Through intuitive spatial flow and rich material storytelling, the design articulates emotional resonance. Historic steel beams and brickwork are softened by contemporary interventions, including layered textures and narrative-driven art.
The project safeguards cultural relevance through adaptive reuse, operational integrity, and sustainable choices. It does not merely reference history—it animates it, allowing guests to participate in a living, evolving chapter of Hokkaido’s story.
