Makuhari Messe / Fumihiko Maki | Classics on Architecture Lab

Architects: Fumihiko Maki
Photographs: Jesper Rautell Balle / Wikimedia Commons, 掬茶 / Wikimedia Commons, ITA-ATU / Wikimedia Commons, User:ChibaRagi / Wikimedia Commons, Calton / Wikimedia Commons, Esposimi / Wikimedia Commons, Brandon Shigeta – http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandonshigeta/, soundingblue – http://www.flickr.com/photos/klam/, Chi (Back in Oz) – http://www.flickr.com/photos/chiszeo/, Danny Choo – http://www.flickr.com/photos/dannychoo/
City: Chiba
Country: Japan

Makuhari Messe, formerly the Nippon Convention Center, is Japan’s second-largest convention center, designed by Fumihiko Maki and completed in 1989 to establish Makuhari as a distinct architectural hub. Located in Chiba Prefecture, the 4-level, 1,000,000 sq ft complex includes eleven exhibition halls, a conference hall, and an event hall with steel trusses spanning 1,800 feet and accommodating over 9,000 visitors. Constructed with precast concrete and a steel frame, the design emphasizes flexibility and human-scale detailing to balance its monumental size. Maki’s work at Makuhari reflects his architectural innovation, earning accolades like the Pritzker Prize (1993).

Previously referred to as the Nippon Convention Center, the Makuhari Messe, whose name originates from the German word for “trade fair,” ranks as Japan’s second-largest convention center, surpassed only by Tokyo Big Sight.

Makuhari Messe / Fumihiko Maki | Classics on Architecture Lab

Makuhari Messe, designed by renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki and completed in 1989, was envisioned to establish Makuhari as a distinct architectural destination, independent of Tokyo proper. Located in the northwest corner of Chiba Prefecture, on the eastern edge of Tokyo, Makuhari Messe features expansive interiors and numerous exhibition halls, making it ideal for hosting large-scale events such as high-tech expositions and trade shows.

Makuhari Messe / Fumihiko Maki | Classics on Architecture Lab

The 4-level Makuhari Messe spans over 1,000,000 square feet of floor area and includes eleven exhibition halls, a conference hall, and an event hall with a capacity of over 9,000 visitors. The event hall features engineered steel trusses that span more than 1,800 linear feet. Makuhari Messe is constructed entirely from precast concrete and a structural steel frame, as shown in the interior photographs. Each program space was designed to function independently and with a distinct style, creating dynamism and flexibility to adapt to the evolving demands of the exhibition industry.

Makuhari Messe / Fumihiko Maki | Classics on Architecture Lab

Given the immense scale of the structure, a range of architectural techniques was implemented to make the interior spaces more comfortable, with a particular emphasis on precise architectural detailing. The sheer size of Makuhari Messe qualifies it as a megastructure; however, the thoughtful application of architectural detailing reduces the perceived scale of the overall volume. Delicate, human-scale details, combined with the larger-scale detailing of the project, create a more balanced and appropriate sense of scale at ground level.

Makuhari Messe / Fumihiko Maki | Classics on Architecture Lab

Maki’s extensive portfolio of built and unbuilt projects has solidified his status as a prominent leader in the field of architecture. Maki has received numerous national and international accolades, including the Japanese Institute of Architects’ Award (1985), the American Institute of Architects’ Reynolds Award (1987), and the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 1993.

Makuhari Messe / Fumihiko Maki | Classics on Architecture Lab
Project Gallery
Project Location

Address: 2 Chome-1 Nakase, Mihama Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, 261-8550, Japan

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