#Japan #Tachikawa #Pacific Consultants #CLA Awards

Tachibunii Plaza at Tachikawa City: A Beacon of Innovation

Introduction
Tachibunii Plaza, located at the Tachikawa City Clean Center, has been honored with the Encouragement Award at the 2025 Landscape Consultants Association Awards (CLA). This accolade, organized by the Landscape Consultants Association, recognizes outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and landscape architecture.

About Tachibunii Plaza
Tachibunii Plaza serves as a buffer green space for the new waste treatment facility in Tachikawa. From the planning stage, the aim was to create an open space accessible to all citizens, akin to a park. The design emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere where the community can freely engage with nature.

Award Significance
Unlike many waste treatment facilities that are often closed off to the public, this project has opened its buffer area for community use, marking a significant step forward in urban design. The award committee highlighted the distinctive series of mounds that envelop the central lawn, a testament to innovative landscaping. These mounds were thoughtfully constructed using leftover earth from the Clean Center's main construction, which also serves to deter unauthorized access while enhancing usability.

Sustainable Design Principles
Tachibunii Plaza employs a variety of techniques to manage rainwater runoff effectively, protect existing trees, and introduce local plant species. The project aligns with sustainable practices, such as the reuse of energy and reducing maintenance costs. This thoughtful consideration of green infrastructure is reflective of contemporary environmental priorities: optimizing land use while achieving functional beauty.

Landscape Features and Feedback
While the mounds’ uniform shape and varying sizes received acclaim, the selection committee has expressed anticipation for more liberated landscape expressions in future projects. The Encouragement Award reflects both the current success of the design and the hope for future innovative landscapes.

About Pacific Consultants
Founded in 1951, Pacific Consultants has established itself as a leading construction consulting firm in Japan. With over 70 years of experience, they have been heavily involved in social infrastructure development across a vast range of environments, including urban planning, architecture, transportation, and environmental engineering. The company's vision of