Japan Summer Highlights

Words by
Chris Barton, Keith Little
Published
July 27, 2023

In the documentary Tokyo Ride, Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA describes Japanese buildings as “verbs”. Instead of static, they are seen as active – spaces in constant transition. Not only might their use change frequently, but their very existence can be challenged at any time by commercial or natural forces. This concept contrasts starkly with general attitudes towards property in Australia. We want permanence. We want security. We want ever-increasing value (without having to pay for it). We want legacy.

We think of placemaking – also a verb – largely as something that happens before a building is built or some kind of service you call when your place has a problem. We know because we get those calls all the time. As always, there is so much to learn from Japan and our recent trip helped make this concept tangible with some real-world examples that we are delighted to share with you here.

Shimokitazawa Reclamation Project

You’d be amazed at the difference it makes when a neighbourhood drops the majority of its train station, tracks and platforms underground. That is exactly what happened in Shimokitazawa – a hip, inner-city suburb of Tokyo. The process, which began in the 80s, is nearing completion. Despite mild feelings of nostalgia for what was, the increased permeability has created space for what is, and what will be.

The neighbourhood is no longer divided into two halves and the new connections are filled with great retail, cultural and community spaces. The ‘Tefu’ building, Bonus Track and Reload are three great examples, each masterplanned and delivered by friends of Right Angle – the former by UDS and Bonus Track by Tsumabe Architects, while Reload was developed by Odakyu, designed by General Design and with landscaping by Solso.

THE CAMPUS

THE CAMPUS is the Tokyo headquarters of Kokuyo, a prominent Japanese stationery and furniture company (and client of Right Angle). Kokuyo started in 1905 and their story is one of continued innovation. Located in the commercial district of Shinagawa, THE CAMPUS is an exploration of what an office can be. As Kokuyo explain it: “At a time when the boundary between work and life is blurring, it is only natural for the relationship between the city and the office to change, too.”

THE CAMPUS is an exemplar of how private companies can provide public benefit through an inclusive approach and creative thinking. At THE CAMPUS, everyone – not just employees – is invited to work and enjoy life across the public areas, which include the park, the commons, an open lab (for prototyping), THE CAMPUS’ shop and its accompanying coffee stand.

In these spaces, Kokuyo is creating chances to connect and understand more about their customers and bring one of their core values, empathy, to life. As one small example, when THE CAMPUS opened the team noticed a lot of parents and young children coming into the shop and so they created a special drawing and play area to accomodate the flow of neighbourhood locals.

Ace Hotel Kyoto

It would be reasonable to question why you would visit a culturally rich city such as Kyoto and choose to stay at an outpost of a Western hotel group – but we’re glad we did. Ace Hotel Kyoto positions itself as “East Meets West” and does an excellent job of living up to that promise. Designed by Kengo Kuma, grand architectural gestures such as large, wooden columns and beams are balanced by interior details that nod to Kyoto’s fabric weaving and dying techniques.

The staff are friendly and knowledgable, the coffee (by Stumptown, of course) is good, the art and music aren’t an afterthought and the rooms are big – certainly by Japanese standards. The retail that makes up the same development is also impressive. It’s a kind of greatest hits experience, featuring brands like 1LDK, Beams, Le Labo and Maison Kitsune to name a few.

Perhaps the most striking design feature was restraint. Although not a common attribute of most Ace Hotels, in Kyoto there is a sense that what was left out being just as important as what was put in. This helped create the exact feeling of zen that plenty of travellers to Kyoto are searching for.