Ōsanbashi Pier, Passenger ship terminal in Yokohama, Japan
Ōsanbashi Pier is a passenger ship terminal in Yokohama with three levels featuring steel frames and wooden decks. Gently sloping ramps connect the different areas and allow people to move through the building in a continuous flow.
The terminal opened in 2002 following an international design competition that drew more than 660 entries. Its completion marked a turning point for Yokohama's port, transforming how international cruise ships are received.
The terminal weaves into Yokohama's waterfront as a gathering place where visitors and locals observe ships coming and going from an open viewing deck. This creates a connection between the city and the sea that feels natural to the area's identity.
Parking is available on the first level, while ticketing and customs services sit in the middle section of the building. Shops and dining options are spread throughout, making it easy to find what you need while waiting.
The structure uses a folded ground system engineered to distribute weight and absorb the sideways forces from earthquakes. This design approach shows how the building adapts to Japan's seismic environment through its architecture itself.
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