Fujitsobo / Archivision

© Yuichi Higurashi

Architects: Archivision
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Principals in Charge: Yoshihiro Hirotani & Yusaku Ishida
Structural Engineers: Umezawa Structural Engineers
Mechanical Engineers: Azu Planning
General Contractor: Daido Housing
Site Area: 67.88 sqm
Constructed Area: 108.31 sqm
Project Year: 2008-2009
Photographs: Yuichi Higurashi

This beauty parlor stands in the Omote-sando area of Tokyo, which represents one of the trend setting centers for this metropolis. The building has three roof openings which pours light into the interior and, which, by slit-like openings in the floor is led into the floors below, reaching the ground floor, which in turn can be seen from the street level through its large glass windows.

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© Yuichi Higurashi

Thereby, expressing the image of a “vessel of light.” It is, also, a message of “nature” in an area where there is an abundance of “artificial” light. Structurally, the shape of a “barnacle” with its thin yet hard cladding being the image, the three four-cornered conical forms in reinforced concrete are the structural elements for the roof and walls. Copper sheets cover the intricate shapes of the roof and walls as the finish material for the building, which has incorporated the exterior insulation construction method. The copper sheets, which change with the passing of time, have been used to express “Time” in an area where information and environments are ever rapidly changing.

© Yuichi Higurashi

© Yuichi Higurashi

This small piece of architecture is an experimental expression of the universal theme of “light” and “time.”