fan-shaped bus stop by ginga architects welcomes schoolchildren in rural japan

fan-shaped bus stop by ginga architects welcomes schoolchildren in rural japan

Ginga Architects unveils bus stop with tea house aesthetics

 

Ginga Architects, led by Koji Takeda, completes a 3.3-square-meter bus stop in the rural landscape of Ninomiya City, Tomiya, Miyagi Prefecture. Inspired by the architecture of traditional Japanese tea houses, the project reimagines a space for the local community, particularly children, who use it daily to commute to and from school.

 

The facade of the structure is shaped like an open fan facing the street, featuring glass fittings and carefully angled woodwork that allows clear visibility of the interior. Inside, a U-shaped bench creates an ergonomic seating arrangement. The front of this bench is tall enough for adults to comfortably stand against, while its back section is positioned for seated users, offering just enough clearance for the head when leaning back.

fan-shaped bus stop by ginga architects welcomes schoolchildren in rural japan
images courtesy of Ginga Architects

 

 

replacing an uninviting shed with a children-friendly structure

 

With this bus stop, the Japanese team of Ginga Architects replaced an aging 5-square-meter shed, which had a dark and uninviting atmosphere. Many children were hesitant to use the previous structure, prompting a local carpenter to develop a small, handcrafted, functional, and inviting alternative. By retaining the existing foundation, the design optimizes the two-tatami mat footprint, splitting it into two distinct zones: a covered interior space occupying two-thirds of the area, and a semi-exterior space protected by deep eaves. This arrangement allows users to stay dry while waiting for the bus, even if they prefer to remain outside.

fan-shaped bus stop by ginga architects welcomes schoolchildren in rural japan
a 3.3-square-meter bus stop in the rural landscape of Ninomiya City

 

 

Handcrafted details and a training ground for carpenters

 

One of the standout features of the bus stop is its handcrafted construction, which incorporates traditional carpentry techniques. Unlike prefabricated or machine-cut woodwork, the intricate diagonal axis and rafter details were meticulously chiseled by hand. Ginga Architects’ approach ensures a high level of craftsmanship but also acts as a valuable training exercise for young local carpenters, who honed their skills in handcarving during the project. The rafters, which converge at the base of the fan-shaped facade, were individually crafted, adding a tactile, human element to the small structure.

fan-shaped bus stop by ginga architects welcomes schoolchildren in rural japan
inspired by the architecture of traditional Japanese tea houses

fan-shaped bus stop by ginga architects welcomes schoolchildren in rural japan
the project reimagines a space for the local community

fan-shaped bus stop by ginga architects welcomes schoolchildren in rural japan
the facade of the structure is shaped like an open fan facing the street

fan-shaped bus stop by ginga architects welcomes schoolchildren in rural japan
featuring glass fittings and carefully angled woodwork

fan-shaped-bus-stop-ginga-architects-schoolchildren-rural-japan-designboom-1800-02

many children were hesitant to use the previous structure

fan-shaped bus stop by ginga architects welcomes schoolchildren in rural japan
a U-shaped bench creates an ergonomic seating arrangement

fan-shaped bus stop by ginga architects welcomes schoolchildren in rural japan
this bus stop replaces an aging 5-square-meter shed

 

 

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a local carpenter developed a small, handcrafted and inviting space
a local carpenter developed a small, handcrafted and inviting space
the intricate diagonal axis and rafter details were meticulously chiseled by hand
the intricate diagonal axis and rafter details were meticulously chiseled by hand
one of the standout features of this project is its handcrafted construction
one of the standout features of this project is its handcrafted construction
Ginga Architects’ approach ensures a high level of craftsmanship
Ginga Architects’ approach ensures a high level of craftsmanship
children use the stop daily to commute to and from school
children use the stop daily to commute to and from school
retaining the existing foundation
retaining the existing foundation
1
 
the rafters, which converge at the base of the fan-shaped facade, were individually crafted
the rafters, which converge at the base of the fan-shaped facade, were individually crafted
the project acts as a valuable training exercise for young local carpenters
the project acts as a valuable training exercise for young local carpenters

project info:

 

name: Tomiya Ninoseki bus stop
architect: Ginga Architects – Koji Takeda | @takeda_k07
location: Ninomiya City, Tomiya, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
area: 4.9 square meters

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

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public transportation (149)

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