KANDA SQUARE / Public Open Space Design
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A vision for public squares that goes beyond mere “bustle” and exists as an “extension of daily life.”
A project for the “Public Open Space (Square) Design” as part of the Kanda Nishikicho Redevelopment. In a location where the historical and cultural context of the Kanda neighborhood remains strongly evident, we designed a new framework for the plaza that goes beyond simply focusing on creating a lively atmosphere—one that allows “the everyday life of the neighborhood” to gradually build the value of the space over time.
Turning a “public square” into a “workplace.” A public square that takes on completely different atmospheres depending on the time of day and the people using it.
On weekdays, the space is used by office workers in the building; on weekends, it attracts local residents and families; and from the evening through the night, it draws students from the neighborhood. Different types of users visit depending on the day of the week and time of day. We designed a system where the space’s purpose shifts depending on the users—sometimes serving as an outdoor workspace, and other times as a playground for children.
We consolidated functions—such as power outlets, Wi-Fi, lighting, signage, and sunshades—that allow indoor activities to extend seamlessly outdoors into Φ150mm stainless steel frames and installed them throughout the entire plaza. By positioning this as an “environmental staging system,” we designed a spatial system capable of supporting the diverse needs of its users.
We consolidated functions—such as power outlets, Wi-Fi, lighting, signage, and sunshades—that allow indoor activities to extend seamlessly outdoors into Φ150mm stainless steel frames and installed them throughout the entire plaza. By positioning this as an “environmental staging system,” we designed a spatial system capable of supporting the diverse needs of its users.
Public Art That Evolves Alongside “Activities in the Space”
Traditionally, public art in Japan has often taken the form of “expensive, highly symbolic objects” that suddenly appear regardless of the context of the site. To break away from this pattern, we designed art that allows users to adapt it to the conditions of the plaza and create various displays.We designed a system that allows us to create public art over time—art that contributes to “on-site activities” and can only be realized in that specific location.Furthermore, regarding the creation of the art piece itself, rather than producing an object created by a single, privileged Private, we attempted a collective creative process in which artists, creators, directors, and business operators formed a single team to create public art.
Project Leaders: Takao Goto, Keita Yakuramaki, Kazuhiro Sobue
Art Production: HAyU, Manabu Ogawa
Reprinted from the Nikken Activity Lab (NAD) website
Art Production: HAyU, Manabu Ogawa
Reprinted from the Nikken Activity Lab (NAD) website
