UNStudio’s ‘Nippon Moon’ giant observation wheel has been designed to create a journey in which learning about the environment, culture and one’s individual part in this is central.
Courtesy of UNstudio
Four key elements define the logics of the socio-architectural design; enhancement of the senses, interactivity, experience and romanticism. Through the integration of interactive design elements a virtual world was created in which the visitor becomes part of the social network which revolves around the GOW. Discovery, the Ride and the Return are three chapters of the design which contribute to attracting visitors and to the stimulation of the imagination.
Architects: UNStudio
Country: Japan
Year: 2012
Photographs: Courtesy of UNstudio
Architect in Charge: Ben van Berkel
Design Team: Gerard Loozekoot, Frans van Vuure, Filippo Lodi, Harlen Miller, Jan Kokol, Wendy van der Knijff, Todd Ebeltoft, Tina Kortmann, Patrik Noome, Jeroen den Hertog, Iain Jamieson
Client: Ferris wheel Investment Co.,Ltd
Structural Engineer: Arup Tokyo + Melbourne, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Interactive Design: Experientia
Animation: Submarine
Visualization: MIR
Building Surface: Terminal and platform 7.200 m2
Building Volume: Terminal and platform 90.000m3
Capsules: 32
Building Site: 18.000m2
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.