Kobe Asahi Building, Office skyscraper in Naniwa-machi, Japan
The Kobe Asahi Building is a 25-story office skyscraper rising above a restored historic base section. The lower levels display terracotta-colored walls with classical columns and arched openings, while the upper floors feature a contemporary glass facade.
The building opened in 1994 and preserved the exterior structure of the former Kobe Stock Exchange, originally constructed in 1934. This approach allowed the district to maintain its past while creating new office and commercial spaces.
The name comes from the Asahi newspaper that was historically active in this area. The facade shows classical columns and arches alongside modern glass sections, reflecting how the neighborhood blends different time periods in daily view.
The ground floor features a wide, pedestrian-friendly entrance leading to office spaces, a cinema, and restaurants. The entrance is straightforward to locate and the different sections are clearly marked.
The lower floors use terracotta construction rather than modern materials, creating a stark contrast with the smooth glass sections above. These building materials tell two different stories of the same structure.
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