The HAYAMA building inherits the activities of the Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura, the first public modern art museum in Japan. It has been designed to become the alternative site for the museum, in order to adapt to the new social role demanded. Architects, AXS Satow Inc., had been chosen through a proposal procedure. They had commenced their plan in 1997 and started constructing in the year 2000 using the PFI method.

With Isshiki Beach in front of the building and Sangaoka in the background, the following points were taken into consideration to harmonize the bright and open space symbolized by the sparkling "light" on the sea and mountains with a tranquil living environment.

1. The floor-area ratio was kept at about half the legally mandated level, and approximately 45% of the land is covered with greenery, allowing residents to stroll through the garden.
2. The height of the buildings was limited to below 10m, utilizing simple forms made of white granite and emphasizing the horizon line in the facade to submerge the buildings within the greenery.
3. The courtyard enclosed by the two L-shaped buildings will be used as a void space to link with the Hayama landscape (mountain and sea).

Emphasis was placed on ensuring the performance of “preservation” and “light,” which are the basic performance requirements for a museum. These two themes were realized in the form of an enclosed, constant-temperature, constant-humidity storage room and an exhibition room with natural light (top light).

From the approach, the entrance hall leads through four exhibition rooms to the courtyard, and then to the restaurant and auditorium overlooking the sea. These visitor facilities are mainly located on the first floor, making the facility friendly to the elderly and handicapped. The building also complies with the Heart Building Act.

To provide visitors with ample opportunity to savor the afterglow of the exhibition, a restaurant has been placed in the best location with a view of the sea.