# Ryue Nishizawa Designs Luminous Observation Deck at Japanese Recycling Facility A vibrant orange structure transforms a closed industrial landfill into a public exhibition space. - **Source:** [Architecture news and projects | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/50c21201-9cc6-48e0-8a7c-6ea605af10c3) - **Published:** 2026-10-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ddd3c4fc-6cef-4f98-aaef-194be4b36346 ## Public Access to Industry Architect Ryue Nishizawa designed a giant orange cone to serve as an observation deck at the Oono Development recycling complex in Toon. This installation aims to open previously closed-off industrial zones to the public. It functions as a key component of the inaugural Setouchi Art and Industry 2026 festival exhibition. ## Design and Materiality The structure measures 33 metres in diameter and stands four metres high, intentionally mimicking the form of an artificial hill. Its bright orange finish provides a sharp visual contrast against the blue-green hues of the landfill lining. This deliberate color choice highlights the intersection between human-made infrastructure and the surrounding natural landscape. ## Curatorial Context The project is part of the Final Disposal Site exhibition, curated by Kazuyo Sejima, Nishizawa's partner at the studio SANAA. The exhibition seeks to reveal the complex processes of material circulation. By positioning the cone overlooking the landfill basin, the design invites visitors to observe how human activity shapes the environment. ## Immersive Visitor Experience Visitors must travel to the site via designated buses and wear specific workwear provided by Suzuko Yamada Architects. The festival organizers state that this requirement integrates visitors into the landscape composition. This immersive approach forces participants to engage directly with the industrial setting rather than merely observing it from a distance. ## Decentralized Museum Concept The Japan Industrial Art Foundation organized the festival to create a decentralized museum across Okayama and Ehime. The event spans seven distinct venues, including a salt production site, a textile factory, and a battery manufacturer. These locations remain open to the public until 31 October to showcase hidden industrial technologies. ## Educational Objectives Director Masahiro Ito emphasizes that the initiative encourages the younger generation to re-examine Japan’s industrial sector. By revealing the materials and people behind everyday life, the foundation hopes to uncover the charm and potential within these sites. The collaboration between artists and participating companies is central to this educational mission. ## Broader Architectural Portfolio Ryue Nishizawa and his studio SANAA continue to influence global architecture through diverse projects. Recent works include the Taichung Green Museumbrary in Taiwan and a proposal for the National Museum of Ecuador. These projects demonstrate a consistent interest in how public spaces interact with their specific cultural and physical environments. ## Industrial Infrastructure Significance The installation serves as a bridge between nature, industrial infrastructure, and human activity. By transforming a landfill into a site of cultural inquiry, the project challenges traditional perceptions of waste management facilities. It highlights the potential for industrial sites to function as meaningful public spaces within the modern urban landscape. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/10/28/ryue-nishizawa-viewpoint-setouchi-art-industry/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._