Next21, Skyscraper in Chuo-ku, Niigata, Japan
Next21 is a 21-story tower rising 125 meters in central Niigata, combining residential units, offices, and shopping areas across its floors. The building incorporates greenery throughout and uses a fuel cell system to lower its energy consumption.
Osaka Gas Corporation launched this experimental housing project in 1993, officially opening it in May 1994. The project explored new ways of combining living, working, and shopping in a single location.
The building contains 18 residential units designed by 13 different architects, each showcasing distinct living concepts. This variety under one roof allows residents and visitors to experience diverse approaches to how people live.
The building is located in central Niigata, making it easy for visitors to access different levels and functional areas. Access to the various zones is well organized, and you can find residential, office, and shopping spaces close together.
The construction separates the main skeleton from interior elements, allowing future renovations without affecting the structural frame. This system was innovative for its time and demonstrated how buildings could be designed with greater flexibility for change.
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