The Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre by Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects descends 2 stories into the ground rather pushing up like the typical performance hall.

Ito treats the permeability of the envelope structure similar to Tod's Omotesando Building which he designed. A front public plaza slips under the structure as sweeping windows open up to the front lobby. From there, daylight seeps in through organic patches of windows. Artificial light accentuates the curvacious circulation paths.

The theatre and opera hall itself takes on this lighting scheme washed in red. The typical performance red pervades out into the entrance hallways.