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The temporary hall for Dazaifu Tenmangu, a shrine with a history of over 1,100 years in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka, was completed in April 2023. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing about 10 million domestic and foreign visitors annually. The temporary hall was built for a three-year period of use in conjunction with the first major renovation of the main hall in 124 years.
Designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, the temporary hall features a modern ‘living roof’ concept, paying homage to the main hall’s large cypress bark roof and traditional Japanese architecture style. The unique forest-like roof plantings create a harmonious landscape that seamlessly blends with the surrounding mountains, buildings and natural environment, while concealing the main sanctuary undergoing renovation.
Arup provided structural engineering services for this cutting-edge temporary hall, mixing old and new elements through a combination of traditional and modern architecture.
Project Summary
3years of temporary operation
10millionvisitors annually
3monthsof construction period
The temporary hall was built for a three-year period of use in conjunction with the first major renovation of the main hall in 124 years. (c) Masaki Iwata+Sou Fujimoto Architects
Enabling a forest-like structure
Due to the short construction period of three months, a simple structure was required. The roof tip was designed to extend 4m with plantings on top. The structure is a one-storey, braced steel frame, assembled from transportable parts that can be bolted together without on-site welding, enabling a swift construction process.
The centre of the roof is thickened to provide ample soil depth for planting trees over 5m tall. This ‘bowl’ shape also facilitated the design of a lightweight roof, thin at the edges, with low eaves at the front, and upturned at both ends. This allowed for a curved ceiling in the worship hall, mirroring the shape of the roof. The ceiling, made by wooden louvers, harmonises with the traditional roof rafters of the main building.
Innovative construction solutions
Due to the presence of buried cultural properties, excavation of the site was not possible. Instead, a steel plate was laid on top of the ground and a concrete foundation was constructed. To address drainage needs, an innovative above-ground drainage system was implemented.
To expedite the construction process, early-strength cement, capable of achieving the specified strength within approximately three days of casting, was utilised. Since concrete was only used for the foundation, horizontal braces were strategically positioned to stabilise the roof surface and transfer seismic and wind pressures to the earthquake-resistant structure.
The forest-like structure exudes a unique presence while seamlessly blending into the surrounding natural environment. (c) Masaki Iwata+Sou Fujimoto Architects
Seasonal roof garden
The roof is mainly covered with evergreens, including camphor trees, a symbol of the Tenmangu Shrine. Shrubs, flowers and colour-changing plants, along with deciduous varieties such as autumn leaves, cherry blossoms and plum blossoms are incorporated to create a seasonal ambiance. The roof hosts a diverse array of 66 plant species, with the soil depth adjustable to suit each plant.
Once the temporary pavilion completes its three-year purpose, these plants and trees will be transplanted to the shrine’s precinct.
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