Nikka Yuko’s Bunka Centre to open its doors next month

UNIQUE DESIGN & FEATURES

The new building was designed by SONGER architecture. The roof of the centre is designed to not only act as a beacon to the facility itself, but to showcase the garden beyond, according to architect Elizabeth Songer.

She said, “we came up with something that referred to Japanese in many ways. The Japanese are quite humble and there’s an honour in humbling yourself in front of others. You’ll notice the roof actually slides [and] comes down to the centre point and that’s where you enter. You enter at the most humblest point.”

Songer added that the design of the building may seem simplistic, but there’s a reason for that, noting that “the simplicity of the building has a lot to do with reference to the Japanese architecture and Japanese design itself.”

“But it also was a way to make sure we could give as much space and as much building for future use for the community at large as well as to support the garden itself.”

The reception and gift shop areas at the Bunka Centre. (Lethbridge News Now)

Nikka Yuko worked with Panasonic Canada and Matrix to create exhibits and displays using augmented reality and digital projections to tell the story of the Japanese Garden and to recognize the impact people of Japanese descent have had on southern Alberta and the challenges they have faced.

Additionally, the Centre for Oral History and Tradition at the University of Lethbridge is overseeing The Memory Capture Project, an interactive sound booth that will be featured in the building. It will allow visitors to hear stories directly from those involved through an audio exhibit. Guests can record their own stories too, along with memories of Nikka Yuko during their visit.

Other experiences will include karaoke and sumo wrestling packages, which will feature virtual backgrounds designed by local digital artist Keith Morgan. The New Media department at Lethbridge College is developing a waterfall projection and interactive koi pond and other features for guests of all ages.

HONOURING THE PAST

To honour the founders of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, spaces in the new Buka Centre have been named after them.

The café at the Bunka Centre. (Lethbridge News Now)

These include Cleo’s Café (named after Cleo Mowers), the Kawamura Room (named after both Reverend Yutestu and Yoneko Kawamura), the Hironaka Room (named after Dr. Bob Hironaka), the Kubo Room (after Dr. Tadashi Kubo), and the Sugimoto Commons (named after Dr. Masami Sugimoto).

OPENING IN STAGES

The Bunka Centre’s November 26 opening will mark the first night of Nikka Yuko’s Winter Light Festival. The new facility will open in three stages, with the gift shop, café and large event space opening for the festival’s first night.

Inside the common area at the Bunka Centre. Some final touches continue to be made with the centre’s grand opening set for July 14, 2022. (Lethbridge News Now)

In early 2022, the exhibit and programming spaces will open and on July 14, 2022, the garden will hold its official grand opening, coinciding with the 55^th anniversary of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden.

Additionally, a new admission system is being developed for guests to purchase ticket packages through Nikka Yuko’s website or via a dedicated mobile app, where guests can check in when they arrive at the main gates.

Tickets for the Winter Light Festival go on sale November 15.

More on the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge is available here.

by Justin Goulet

Nikka Yuko’s Bunka Centre to open its doors next month

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