Organic Building

"The Coexistence of Greenery, Architecture, and Humans"—this is the concept behind the Organic Building, designed by Gaetano Pesce in Osaka in 1993.

One of the first attempts to integrate nature into Osaka’s urban landscape through a vertical garden, this vibrant nine-story structure is clad in terracotta steel and features an automated irrigation and drainage system. A total of 132 planters adorn its façade. At the time of completion, the building housed over 50 plant species sourced from around the world. Over time, some were replaced with hardier varieties better suited to the local climate—a testament to the building’s "organic" philosophy. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the planters are not uniform; their shapes and sizes vary depending on the needs of the plants they hold.

Located in a business district, the building primarily serves as office space. Its owner, Kokuraya Yamamoto「小倉屋山本」, is a centuries-old specialty shop selling kelp, which explains the maritime motifs and seaweed-inspired details inside.

Name: Organic Building / オーガニックビル
City: Osaka
Address: view the address
Architect: Gaetano Pesce
Year: 1993

(c)2025 Japan Arch / All Rights Reserved