To be a "comfortable place" for both students and the local community.
Josai University Educational Corporation: Tokyo Kioicho Campus, Building 3
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“Simply put, I wanted to create a ‘comfortable place,’” recalls Watanabe, the project architect. The project involved Building No. 3 at Josai University’s Tokyo Kioicho Campus (Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo). It was a quest to create a “comfortable place” not just for students, but for everyone.
Our goal was to create a “comfortable atmosphere.”
In the field of architectural design, the “female perspective” has long been incorporated into buildings such as residential homes and welfare facilities. Recently, however, even in general architecture, there has been a growing demand for the meticulous attention to detail and the user’s perspective that are unique to women.
For this project, our team consisted of a high proportion of women. Given that the campus has a large number of female students, the first thing our team agreed on—in line with the client’s wishes—was to ensure that both students and their parents would feel that the university is a space where they can relax and enjoy themselves. Rather than prioritizing avant-garde design—which is highly regarded by architectural experts—we gave priority to ensuring that the general public using the space would easily recognize and feel a sense of “comfort.”
It’s in the small details that a team’s strengths really shine
I wanted students using the new campus to do more than just move back and forth between classrooms; I wanted them to spend as much time as possible on campus, to develop a sense of attachment to it, and to make the most of the campus to build up experiences that are truly part of the student life. To that end, I infused the entire building with warmth, approachability, softness, fun, and a touch of cuteness.
Spaces where students can sit and chat with professors and friends between the columns lining the hallway; a terrace with heart-shaped leaves visible at eye level that anyone can freely come and go from; and a grand staircase where events can be held or where everyone can gather to sit.Furthermore, we incorporated numerous thoughtful details, such as pillars with rounded corners that convey a sense of security, signage that exudes warmth and charm, and natural light filtering through the trees to create a soft, inviting atmosphere.
I feel that paying attention to these small, subtle details is a sensibility unique to a female-led team.
I feel that paying attention to these small, subtle details is a sensibility unique to a female-led team.
"A sense of comfort" extends to everyone in the neighborhood as well
As we pursued the concept of “comfort,” we came to realize something anew: it must be “comfortable” not only from the perspective of the users but also from that of the people living in the surrounding area. To help shield residents from the gaze of neighbors, we constructed walls using glass tubes to eliminate any sense of intimidation.
There were many moments during this project when we worked in perfect harmony. Perhaps because it was a team made up mostly of women, I felt there were many instances where we were able to share ideas and visions without even having to speak.
[Photo: Harunori Noda [Gankohsha]]
[Photo: Harunori Noda [Gankohsha]]
