The summers are hot and humid in the village of Matsudai in Japan. In the winter the region is covered under a thick layer of snow. MVRDV realised a cultural centre / village museum here. Every three years the centre will function as the main stage for the 'Echigo-Tsumari' art festival. The building is designed as a programmatic roof. By lifting the building a space is created under the roof where plays, dance shows and concerts can be held; shaded during the summer and snow free in wintertime. At the same time the building will be present and visible from the village that is located at the other side of the railway line. The 'legs' under the building form three 'bridges' which are penetrating the building. The legs contain stairs. In the building they form corridors which divide the space in different functional zones. On the roof the legs come together and are being shaped as an icy 'rocky' landscape that gives the summertime visitor an artificial view of the Matsudai landscape in winter.
Photography: Rob 't Hart