Inujima Seirensho Art Museum

Breathing new life into the ruins of a former copper refinery, Inujima Seirensho Art Museum was built around the idea of "using what exists to create what is to be". Exhibited here are works created by Yukinori Yanagi who used Yukio Mishima as a motif, a vocal critique of Japan's modernization, together with the remodeled architecture designed by Hiroshi Sambuichi. By using the existing smokestacks and karami bricks from the refinery as well as solar, geothermal, and other natural energies, the architectural design minimizes the construction's environmental impact. The building also employs a sophisticated water purification system that makes use of the power of plants. The project truly embraces the concept of a recycling-based society through its focus on industrial heritage, architecture, art, and the environment.