The building was four stories, office on the basement and first floor, residential area on the third and fourth area. The way I've put it may make it seem like a simple building, but between each floor there were a space too big to call staircase landing. And those unique platforms functioned as an entrance, a storage and audio space. With the exception of the bedroom, no floor had any partitions. So, it seems like the building had eight stories.
This uniquely structured building was also situated on a very unusual location. The site was "L" shaped. The building didn't face the road and it was surrounded by other buildings. However disregarding their privacy they designed on the outside walls with big glass windows. From living room I could see the next house's walls very near. I also could see the interesting streetscape from there. A view from rooftop terrace was more interesting, the building was surrounded by two or three stories houses. And I could see many high buildings : Marunouchi, Akasaka, Roppongi, and Shinjuku beyond the small houses. On map, The site was in center of Tokyo, nevertheless I felt only this area was left behind the times
It was very interesting for me to walk up the floors that had different functions and different views. And it remind me of my elementary school days. I used to love climbing trees and I could see my hometown and find small interesting discovers about roof colors or types of balconies. I felt the same kind of excitement as I was walking up stairs in the building.
After the visit, I sat down and thought about the concept and the design of the building. By coexisting residential area and work space under one roof, Atelier Bow-Wow realized very unique and exiting house. But this house is a good example of satisfying only one particular group of people who are professional carer minded couples without kids and who have devoted all their time to their careers.
In general, houses are designed only for family members and one using for living. I feel every houses are struggling to maxsimize their private space on their site. I think it makes Japanese streetscapes boring. In many cases, properties are very small in Tokyo and for this reason,houses should be more open not hidden by fences. With this in my mind, "House and Atelier Bow-Wow" is a great example of utilizing given space not only for privacy but public space. Hopefully, we can apply this concept in the future.
Finally I would like to thank Atelier Bow-Wow and Watari Museum of Contemporary Art who provide this valuable opportunity.
reference
http://www.archdaily.com/5918/house-atelier-atelier-bow-wow/
