Osaka’s Green Mall

(photo via Osaka by Night Blog)

Namba Parks is an office and shopping complex located in Osaka, Japan. It consists of a high office building called Parks Tower and a 120-tenant shopping mall with rooftop garden. Namba Parks was developed by Jon Jerde of The Jerde Partnership in the footprint of the since closed Osaka Stadium.

Namba Parks was conceived as a large park, a natural intervention in Osaka’s dense urban condition. Alongside a 30-story tower, the project features a lifestyle commercial center crowned with a rooftop park that crosses multiple blocks while gradually ascending eight levels.

In addition to providing a highly visible green component in a city where nature is sparse, the sloping park connects to the street, making it easy for passers-by to enter its groves of trees, clusters of rocks, cliffs, lawn, streams, waterfalls, ponds and outdoor terraces. Beneath the park, a canyon carves a path through specialty retail, entertainment and dining venues.

Designed by Architect Jon Jerde the complex was completed in October 2003.

More info: Architect Jon Jerde / Text via Wikipedia