It is an expansion project for a Japanese Language School in the heart of Tokyo. An office building near JR Mikawashima Station, owned by the school, was repurposed for educational use. However, due to an increase in the number of students, it became necessary to expand the facilities into the adjacent area. Our client, Akamon-kai, is one of the leading educational institutions in Japan, known for its high student enrollment numbers at its Japanese language schools, and is looking to enhance its image. Therefore, we proposed not just an expansion, but an integration of the new construction with the existing building in a way that improves the overall image of the school.
In the architectural design for this project, constraints limited the plan to a basic arrangement of vertical circulation and classrooms, offering limited opportunities for internal changes. Hence, the focus shifted to enhancing the façade. Our design aimed to integrate the existing structure with the extension harmoniously. Drawing inspiration from the awnings adorning storefronts in Mikawashima, a creative repurposing of these elements was envisioned. The initial concept involved enveloping the building in awnings, akin to Christo's art installations. However, cost and fire safety led to a revision of this plan. The final design incorporated partitioned awnings on the exterior, each positioned at a subtly varied angle.
While these additions might seem merely decorative at first glance, they serve practical purposes: providing shelter and protecting the exterior walls. With the façade prominently visible from the train, we planned an oversized sign on the awning surface, ensuring a striking visual impact even in a fleeting moment.
While such a building might not conform to conventional aesthetic sensibilities, in the eclectic mix of Tokyo's eastern districts, we believe there's a place for a structure with such boldness and presence.
This project was more than an architectural endeavor; it was a lesson in the endless possibilities that arise when one shifts perspective, exploring the uncharted territories of architectural design.
