Berenblum Busch Architects (Miami-based firm) unveiled the designs for the first cruise terminal of Carnival Corporation in Japan.
Located in the port city of Sasebo, Uragashira Cruise Terminal is expected to support the plans of the Japanese government to develop its cruise ports, as well as the increasing number of tourists in the region.
Situated between the mountains and Sasebo Bay, the new cruise ship terminal is due to become part of the green landscape. The design of Berenblum Busch Architects takes into account the culture, building traditions, low-scale surrounding, and geography of Sasebo. The one-story building will become a port-of-call for many ships primarily sailing from mainland China to Japan.
The terminal’s curving roof is the focal point of the design along with sawtooth skylights which face north to maximize the natural light. The long overhead of the roof will serve as the building's cooling mechanism as well as a shield for the steel frame and glass walls of the terminal.
As the area is prone to earthquakes and typhoons, BBA’s design of the 50,000ft2 (4,654m2) terminal largely consists of concrete, glass and steel, that will be locally sourced. The interiors of the terminal are highlighted by wooden finishes. The program features functions like retail spaces, immigration, customs, passenger waiting area, offices, a public plaza, 2nd-floor terrace overlooking the sea, parking, car and bus drop-off area.
The new cruise ship terminal is scheduled to be operational by 2020, ahead of Tokyo Olympic Games.