Category — Architecture

An unexpected structure has risen from the rubble of which Rikuzentakata, a city situated on coastal Iwate prefecture, was reduced to when the tsunami flattened it. With the help of Hideki Koizumi, a Tokyo University professor of urban engineering, Naruse-Inokuma Architects, Chikako Goto and various other individuals, students and corporate sponsors, Riku Cafe opened in January 2012.

Some may not consider cafes to be high on the priority list of reconstruction efforts following a disaster such as the one witnessed last year in March. I would argue that this is exactly what the people of Rikuzen-Takata need: a space that provides a sense of normality in a very abnormal situation. What a great space to

source: Openers

photos by Jun Igarashi Architects

Symbiosis: the living together of unlike organism

Another great renovation project, this time by Hokkaido-based architect Jun Igarashi. Located in central Sapporo and completed in November of last year, SYMBIOSIS is a multi-purpose space that is intended to provide close interaction between fashion, jewelry, art and architecture. Or as the German mycologist Heinrich Anton de Bary defined it, “the living together of unlike organisms.”

The 1st floor ground level is a gallery space. The 2nd floor is the FORTUNA boutique, a select shop of clothing and jewelry from France and Italy. The 3rd floor is occupied by jeweler AI KOMORI. All the coll signage and art was by Midorium Design, a frequent collaborator of Jun Igarashi’s.

Photos by Daici Ano | after the renovation

Wow. Talk about restoration. Torafu Architects transformed this 40-year old office and warehouse building into a private residence.

The top picture shows the building after the renovation and the picture to the right is before. What a difference!

The exterior looks great but the magic really happens inside.

Check out that amazing piece of furniture they placed in the middle of the room. It functions as storage or display shelving but also encompasses a stairway that leads up to the living area. Not only does it function effectively but it also looks great, adding character and personality to the space.

You can check out more pictures on their website of the completed space but also of the construction. Although the work was completed in December 2011, this is only the 1st stage of the project. The 2nd stage will be to convert the basement and 1st floor into a retail space. Can’t wait!

source: Torafu website

photos by Takumi Ota | click to enlarge

In the same way that mortar, Japanese sugi and glass come together, yoluca carries a strong hope that different people will come together in the space

On a trip to Japan late last year I had the privilege of stopping by the newly established MATERIO base.,  a multifunctional space in Nihonbashi that’s run by the CS Design Center (previously). Before opening its doors in July 2011, the 30-year old oddly shaped building was given a brand new renovation by interior designer Noi Shigemasa. The building itself is an elegant piece of exposed concrete that is completely flat, except for the entrance way and a single floor-to-ceiling glass window on the ground level. The window creates a heightened sense of anticipation, setting the stage for what’s to come but not revealing everything.

I entered the first floor gallery space, known as gallery yoluca, where staff were busy setting up an exhibition that was opening the next day. Yoluca is a portmanteau of the words sumika (habitat) and yoru (to stop by). Much in the same way that mortar, Japanese sugi wood and glass – all in their most basic forms – come together, the name yoluca carries a strong hope that different people will come together in the space, forming new connections and exchanging new ideas.  It’s a theme that carries through the entire space, and I came to realize this as I continued my visit.

As I walked up the concrete staircase I came to Sabi Bar on the 2nd floor. This is a fascinating space with defined blocks of wood that, in turn, helps to define the purpose of the space. It’s clearly a bar where booze – that facilitator of discussion and connection – is served. But what makes the space unique is the artists and designers showing in the gallery are invited to tend the bar, where they interact with the guests on an entirely different level.

Continuing my ascent I arrived at the 3rd floor meeting room known as Sabi no Ma. This is an intimate space for small group gatherings or dinners but at the time President Nakagawa was conducting a demonstration on hand-made soba noodles. Wiping his hands of flour, he greeted me and showed me his gorgeous table and chairs custom-made by lacquer ware artist Tomoyasu Konuma.

We reflected on the his vision for the space, and the dynamics it supported. Before bidding farewell he asked me to come back sometime for some soba noodles. I told him I would.

photos by Hiroshi Ueda | click to enlarge

I’m sorry. I can’t help myself. In addition to snowscape architecture I also have a soft spot for architecture in the wilderness. “Tiered Lodge” is the latest work of Katsushi and Noriko Naoi, the husband-wife duo that make up Naoi Architecture & Design Office. Completed in August 2011, the weekend house is located in the Nasu Highlands of Tochigi prefecture, a common getaway for Tokyoites.

The three-tiered home, hence the name “Tiered Lodge,” is made up of a kitchen and dining room on the lower floor, a living room on the middle level and a mezzanine loft and bedroom on the top. Here is a bit from the architects:

Making use of this sloping gradient, we decided to design a residence that would create a sense of continuity with the forest around it… The space that emerged as a result of this elevation difference and shifts in the surface of the floor showcases subtle variations in the size of each volume, the windows, and the quality of the light in each interior. This structure enabled us to endow what is essentially a single-roomed space with remarkable depth and variation.

source: submission

What a cool daycare space. Kiddy Shonan C/X (C-Cross) opened last year in the Shonan bayside area of Kanagawa. Designed by Makoto Tanijiri (Suppose Design Office) the space features numerous houses under a single wide-open space. Each house is designated for a certain activity – art, music and dance. Even the bathrooms are housed within their own house. The individual spaces come together to form a miniature community, helping to foster a sense of citizenship, as well as stimulating curiosity and sensibilities.

Kiddy Shonan is located (Gmap) on the 2nd floor of the Ozawa Takagi building, a short walk from Tsujido Station.

source: Suppose Design Office website

What an amazing pharmacy designed by Osaka-based architecture studio Ninkipen. Completed in November of last year, the store represents the latest addition to the Kansai-based Global Pharmacy chain. What’s enthralling (and what I would like to know more about) is that, according to the architects, the store was built on an old road that had been illegally occupied since the end of WWII, hence it’s narrow width – just 4 meters. The architects attempted to preserve history within their designs by creating an elongated store that mimics the look of a road.

Osaka is well-known – notorious, if you will – for their illegally occupied spaces. They were often utilized by black markets and other dark forces who continued to elude the reach of government and authority, even into modern times. I wonder what this space was previously used as?

Looking out from the store you can still see where the road is rounded off – the remnants of an intersection

source: Ninkipen

the home features a dramatic “stage” above the kitchen that pours in tons of sunlight as if someone rolled up the awnings on the sun

Ever since Bunzo Ogawa completed his public restrooms project in 2010 I’ve been a huge fan of his fantastic work. The architect’s latest home, which was just uploaded to his website, is no exception. Titled “Light Stage House” and located in Hiroshima, the home features a dramatic “stage” above the kitchen that pours in tons of sunlight as if someone rolled up the awnings on the sun.

The rounded details of the home and its curvaceous figure give it a futuristic spaceship-quality. What a great space to totally lose yourself in.

The home was completed in mid-2011 but just recently uploaded to the architects’ website. Despite being built on just a 30-tsubo plot of land – a little over 1000 sq ft – it’s impressive what the architect dud to give it such an airy feel and so much sunlight.

source: Bunzo Ogawa’s website

photos by Koichi Torimura | click to enlarge

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The abstract, white exterior contrasts nicely with the exposed concrete of the interior. It’s as if conventional urban landscape was reversed.

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Even if you only have a 13.5-tsubo (480 sq ft) plot of land to work with, if you are creative you can legally achieve up to 19-tsubo (675 sq ft) of living space, says Sanpei Junichi, architect of House Tokyo. The white, abstract structure was completed in earlier this year and was inspired by an analytical reading of Tokyo – her streets and the relative relationship between the people who use them.

The façade is coated with a thin layer of insulation and all the openings feature a perforated metal blindfold. The intention was not to create a break between interior and exterior but rather to increase the sense of openness from within. The abstract, white exterior contrasts nicely with the exposed concrete of the interior. It’s as if conventional urban landscape was reversed.

I love the concrete table that protrudes out of the wall.

Source: Sanpei Junichi’s website

images courtesy YKDW | click to enlarge

It’s bustling but don’t call it a restaurant. It’s comforting but don’t call it a café. Located in Yokohama, Sakae is a restaurant that was engineered and designed around human interaction an experience. The space, which was designed by Kentaro Yamazaki (YKDW), features a single communal dining table situated right next to the kitchen.

With an emphasis on local, organic ingredients, Sakae offers what they like to call, “something different.” Whether it’s a new appreciation, a new point of view or a new discovery, the space is intended to mix a new ingredient into you daily routine, whether you like it or not.

I’ve always found communal tables idealistic in nature but rather awkward when executed. I can’t say I’m a particular fan of the concept but the elegant and minimal space is tempting me to give it another shot.

The herbs and flowers that appear to sprout out of the table are the work of botanic artist Makoto Azuma and total artistic direction for the space was done by Yu Shigematsu. Although there are events and activities going on during the day, the space as a restaurant usually only functions during the evening. Check out their website to make reservations or plan a visit.

Source: YKDW website