Grand Front Osaka, Building complex in Osaka Station North Area, Japan
The Grand Front Osaka stretches across a full city block between JR Osaka Station and the Umeda district with office towers, residential buildings, and retail floors. Covered pedestrian walkways connect the levels and lead to rooftop terrace gardens.
The site served as a freight railyard until 2011 and was then converted into a mixed-use center. Opening took place in 2013 as the first phase of the Umekita urban renewal.
The Knowledge Capital in the northern building displays prototypes and research projects that visitors can touch or try. Creative studios and start-up offices work in open spaces right next to the exhibition areas.
Shops usually open around 11 in the morning and close in the evening around 9, while restaurants often stay open later. Most areas are accessible and connected by elevators or escalators.
The complex received the BCS Prize for architecture and is among the few Japanese building projects with this award. Several rooftop terraces offer small parks and seating areas above the busy streets.
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