Cultural and business complex "ACROS Fukuoka" (Asian Crossroads Over the Sea) in Japan was built in 1995. This impressive building is a very good example of vertical garden that is both functional and has a great esthetics, innovative approach and attraction. North side of the building is made of glass, with formal entrance, which is well suited to the most prestigious financial part of Fukuoka. The southern side is completelly covered in vegetation,  so that  vertical garden from the bukding blends into the park that is in front of the building. This vertical garden provides very much needed fresh air of busy and crowded city, but also much less need for electricity to regulate the temperature. These garden consists of 76 plant species and as much as of about 35.000 plants.

Irrigation system was installed right from the start, but remarkably still has not been put to use, since the vertical garden created its own ecosystem and usual rain is enough for watering. This vegetation minimizes 'heat island' effect, which means that it prevents the accumulation of temperature whilst artificial materials are used. Measured temperature of the concrete floors in nearby buildings are sometimes reaching 50°C, but temperature measured on ACROS Fukuoka and its surrounding is up to 15 degrees less. The appearance of vegetation changes throughout the year as the seasons change, which adds more interest, as well as a natural element of change,  that is  very close to Buddhistic phylosophy.

This innovative architectural design is ideal for urban areas where it provides the mutual interest of : interest of the citizens for green area on one hand and the interest of investors to economicaly exploit the space on the other.