The unremarkable pavilion of the last station of the Ishinomaki railway line was literally swept off the face of the earth by a terrible tsunami in March 2011. The new building, in no way resembling its predecessor, is built 150 meters further from the coast of Onagawa Bay, and a small square is laid out in front of it. The project should be the starting point for the gradual restoration of the entire region.
The three-storey building has a total area of 900 m2 and combines completely unexpected functions. The station itself is located on the first floor, with comfortable waiting areas and small shops, and the second is reserved for the municipal hot spring bath. The upper, third tier is occupied by viewing platforms.
The shape of an absolutely white roof, according to the architect, denotes a bird flying into a joyful and serene future, symbolizing thoughts and pleas for the speedy elimination of the consequences of a disaster. The roof is supported by a mesh wooden structure, which has already become Shigeru Ban's signature technique. Against a white background, it looks even more contrasting, visible from almost all rooms and even from the outside of the building.
The station's interiors are designed in three colors: the main combination of light shades of wood and warm white complements the complex blue. He made graceful compositions on original panels of white tiles. Local residents took part in their creation, hand-painted the tiles. Among the sophisticated natural motives, Fuji's laconic look was not without.
