Concrete hills frame the galleries of Mari Ito's Komatsu science museum
The domed and curving rooftops of this science museum in Komatsu, Japan, are covered in grass, creating a series of rolling hills that visitors can clamber across (+ slideshow).
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
Designed by Mari Ito of Tokyo studio Urban Architecture Office (UAo), whose past projects include a house with a kitchen worktop that doubles up as a dining room, Science Hills Komatsu is a museum, communications centre and archive.
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
The building is located on the site of a former factory in the city that lent its name to one of the world's largest manufacturers of mining and construction equipment, so the brief was to create a building that could spark a renewed public interest in science and industry.
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_468_11.jpg)
Ito's concept was to integrate architecture and landscape, creating a building that also serves as a public park. The curved profiles of the various spaces appear as four waves, framing courtyards, pathways and rooftop lawns.
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
An auditorium is contained within the dome in the north-west corner of the site, while the main exhibition space is located beneath one of the largest waves.
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_468_21.jpg)
"People can stroll freely inside and outside of the broad waves and view exhibits from many aspects," said Ito. "The rooftop curve serves as a sweeping canopy controlling light and also drains rain water into a reservoir for planting irrigation."
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_468_19.jpg)
The rooftop greenery provides additional insulation to the interiors. "The slab sweeping up from the ground and then forming waves adds a natural and sensitive aspect to the design," added Ito.
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_468_25.jpg)
At night, the space is transformed by light show, as hundreds of LEDs fitted with wind sensors create a colourful interpretation of the current air movements.
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_468_22.jpg)
"The entire building is intending to be in harmony with science and to encourage the visitor's various scientific discoveries in practice," said the architect.
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_468_14.jpg)
Science Hills Komatsu also accommodates a science education centre, a business incubator and an area for industrial businesses to promote themselves.
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
The complex was largely constructed from reinforced concrete, which is left exposed internally and externally. Industrial-looking steel columns offer additional support to the curving roof.
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
Photography is by Daici Ano.
Project credits:
Architecture: Mari Ito/UAo
Structural Engineer: Kanebako Structural Engineers
Construction: Kumagai Gumi + KAETU Construction Joint Venture
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_0-e1413477228862.gif)
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_1.gif)
![Science Hills Komatsu by Mari Ito](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/Science_Hills_Komatsu_by_Mari_Ito_dezeen_3.gif)