La Collina Ōmi-Hachiman by Terunobu Fujimori and Michele De Lucchi is a transcendent architectural project that merges Japan’s natural landscape with deep cultural heritage.
Nestled within the idyllic town of Omihachiman, La Collina is both a physical and symbolic gathering space where architecture, nature, and community coexist in harmonious dialogue. This flagship store for Taneya Group reflects a philosophy that transcends mere commerce, instead cultivating a sense of place that honors both the historical and ecological significance of the region.
The architectural narrative of La Collina is shaped by Fujimori’s organic sensibilities and De Lucchi’s cultural vision. The centerpiece, a green-roofed structure that melds into the surrounding mountains, evokes Japan’s Satoyama landscapes and rice terraces, a nod to the human-environment relationship that the project seeks to honor. The sprawling 115,000-square-meter complex houses a variety of spaces, including shops, a café, a candy farm, and a headquarters, all unified by the theme of communal flourishing. La Collina is visually and conceptually rooted in the idea of ants—a metaphor for social cooperation and environmental resilience—incorporating natural materials like bamboo charcoal and copper in its design.
Fujimori’s dedication to integrating nature into the architecture is evident in not only the design but also in its functional connection to the landscape. The rice fields surrounding La Collina, which the architects and local agricultural departments jointly cultivate, are more than just scenic—they are part of an ecological restoration effort, providing habitats for fireflies and offering visitors a sensory experience that transcends the architectural form. The space reflects a philosophy where architecture, agriculture, and human life are intertwined, creating an enduring connection between past and future.
