KAIT PLAZA - Plaza of Kanagawa Institute of Technology
About the Plaza
The KAIT Plaza covers 4,100 square meters. This large, gently sloping plaza features a ceiling with skylights, creating the impression of undulating hills. Remarkably, the ceiling has no pillars to obstruct the view, giving it a floating feel, and the windows are open without glass.On sunny days, you can enjoy the shifting patterns of sunlight and shadow throughout the day, and on rainy days, the space is enlivened by a gentle shower of rain.
Students are free to sit, lie down, or simply spend time anywhere in the plaza. The open design encourages relaxation and reflection, and the unique atmosphere can spark creativity and new ideas. Since the plaza was not built for a specific purpose, students can use the space freely and pursue a wide variety of activities according to their own imagination.
Size
"The plaza has three entrances and measures approximately 82 meters from north to south and 55 meters from east to west, with a total floor area of 4,100 square meters.
Ceiling/Roof
The ceiling ranges from 2.2 to 2.8 meters in height and includes 59 square openings, each measuring 1.8 to 3 meters on a side. The roof is made of 12-millimeter-thick iron plates, welded together on site, and covered with a 30-millimeter layer of water-permeable asphalt. This layer helps reduce wind pressure, resist earthquakes, and provide thermal insulation.
There are no interior pillars; instead, exterior steel walls and foundations, supported by 83 piles and 54 ground anchors, support all 580 tons of roof plates. The height of the ceiling may vary by approximately 20 centimeters due to thermal expansion and contraction of the plates.
Floor
The gently sloping floor, with a height difference of up to 5 meters from its highest to lowest point, is covered with water-permeable asphalt. Rainwater is quickly absorbed and drained through the floor, keeping the plaza dry at all times.
Data
PLAZA OF KANAGAWA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY| Location | 1030 Shimo-ogino, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa 243-0292 |
| Design |
[Construction] Junya Ishigami + Associates [Structure] Jun Sato Structural Engineers Co., Ltd. [Structural Planning] Konishi Structural Engineers [Equipment] Takasago Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd., Yokohama (Branch) [Electrical Equipment] Kinden Corporation, Yokohama (Branch) |
| Construction | Kajima Corporation |
| Ground Area | 129,335.04 m2 |
| Building Area | 4,109.78 m2 |
| Gross Floor Area | 1,376.42 m2 |
| Structure | Steel Frame |
| Construction Period | April 2019–December 2020 |
Notice
Visitors are welcome to use the tables, cushions, and yoga mats provided in the plaza.
■Strictly Prohibited
- Skateboarding or roller skating
- Climbing onto the roof
- Use of fire
■Please Refrain From
- Making excessive noise
- Playing loud music
- Taking up too much space, so as not to disturb others