hiroyuki tanaka develops yokohama's first multi-purpose, shared space in japan

hiroyuki tanaka develops yokohama’s first multi-purpose, shared space in japan
all images by munemasa takahashi

a concept of leasing out privately owned buildings to the artistic and creative community has slowly become popular in the city of yokohama in japan. first starting in 2014, the first of its kind called ‘bukatsudo’ serves as a multi-purpose, and shared community hub. interior designed by the team at hiroyuki tanaka architecture, the project was spearheaded and developed by ReBITA Inc.

diversely furnished to keep with the industrial aesthetic of the building, the space has been organized with the use of few partition walls. the open-plan scheme hosts a co-working theme: coffee stands; a kitchen; hall; and craft workshop. furthermore, the individual pod-like rooms can be rented out to evening courses and study. located in an area of the city with a high density of offices and businesses, ‘bukatsudo’ aims to attract employees from the different companies to socialize and interact with each other.

the idea started with privately owned, unused buildings were leased out and aimed for creative use

the original concrete floors with exposed ceiling has been kept

compact rooms for quiet reading and for renting out

music, art and learning takes place side by side in the refurbished space

neon lights spell ‘bukatsudo’

architect sketch of the space’s concept