kazuyo sejima: shibaura house office building, tokyo
a series of roof terraces and external staircases penetrate this center's facade providing visitors with an outdoor experience while traveling between successive levels.
japanese architect kazuyo sejima has completed ‘shibaura house‘, a multistorey building containing flexible workshop spaces located in shibaura tokyo, japan. this bustling new center positioned within the business district and a short walking distance from main transportation lines provides diverse areas within the various levels. capable of supporting a wide range of functions and activities, individuals or groups may hold meetings, conferences, events, lectures and exhibitions within unique interior and terraced plan arrangements.
front elevation
image © naoyafujii (also main image)
the tensioned steel structure supports a glass curtain wall penetrated with intermittent setbacks containing open air terraces on the front and back elevations. upon entering the premises, visitors find the ground floor lounge is open to the public, furnished with chairs and tables for universal usage. upper study levels are connected to the primary focal patio with a curving staircase integrating an outdoor experience into regularly traveled circulation paths. the ‘bird room’ is perched at the highest story providing a versatile space for dance classes and communal gathering filled with ample daylight.
first level meeting space oen to the public
image © naoyafujii
view of second and third level study lounges from curving staircase
focal curving staircase
image © japantwo
view of street and curving staircase from third level study lounge
view of second level roof terrace from above
(left) terrace connecting study lounge levels
(right) study lounge
images © naoyafujii
study lounge
image © naoyafujii
study lounge
image © naoyafujii
interior stair within double story height space
image © naoyafujii
workshop occurring within the ‘bird room’
image © shibaurahouse
(left) external stair to access roof terrace
(right) roof terrace
images © naoyafujii
upper level terrace overlooking the street
image © japantwo
section
image © kazuyo sejima
illustration of various activities occurring within the building
image © jody wong
