amano design transforms tokyo office with contorted façade

japanese practice amano design office has renovated a commercial office block in tokyo, originally built in 1925. entitled ‘dear jingumae’, the project is defined by its undulating façade, formed from expressive repeated metal louvers that allow the building to be clearly differentiated within its streetscape.

firstly, a previously existing decorative façade was removed, exposing the building’s structural elements. next, the new steel elevation was then applied to the office block, with the louvers protruding from the building supported by SUS piping. the computer-designed billowing structure calls to mind the soft texture of fabric, revitalizing the neighborhood at a time of economic stagnation.

repeated metal louvers allow the building to be clearly differentiated within the streetscape
image by nacasa & partners inc (also main image) / all images courtesy of amano design office

the original office block was built in 1925
image by nacasa & partners inc

the louvers give a soft expression by connecting three-dimensionally misaligned radii
image by nacasa & partners inc

the applied elevation is supported by SUS piping
image by nacasa & partners inc

flexible open-plan space within the office block
image by nacasa & partners inc

image by nacasa & partners inc

image by nacasa & partners inc

at night the building’s eerie skeletal form is fully exposed
image by nacasa & partners inc

1/8

project info:

project name: dear jingumae project
location: shibuya-ku, tokyo
completed: march, 2014
building area: 121.09 sqm
floor area: 573.73 sqm

Save