Space World, an "outer space" theme park in Kitaykusu, Japan, recently re-opened after the year's work of restoration by the international design firm, FORMA. Founded jointly by Nippon Steel, the Japanese and USA govern-ments, and NASA, Space World originally opened in April of 1990 with a gala ceremony, including American Astronaut, Alan Shepard. In 1992, following a 2-phase design competition among both American and Japanese firms, FORMA was selected to redesign "Cosmo Plaza", the parks' central gathering place.

The Earth Garden scheme of Cosmo Plaza focuses on simple natural elements - rocky cliffs, waterfalls, mountain meadows, ponds and bubbling brooks - the things that make our planet unique. The parks purpose is to educate and entertain Japanese and international visitors about space through the use of simulated space experiences, laser light shows, a planet-arium, a space museum, and other theme park attractions.