◆Architectural Design Concept

The Dojunkai Apartments, originally built as part of the reconstruction after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, are known for their excellent communal housing layout. For many people, these apartments represent a cherished element of the Tokyo landscape. The preservation of this landmark was one of the main issues arising in the development of the reconstruction plan. Renovating the buildings was neither physically nor economically viable, so we came up with two ideas to maintain this urban landmark.

The first idea was to use the underground space, placing half the building below ground, resulting in a structure no taller than the zelkova trees lining the avenue. The second idea was to incorporate the gentle slope of Omotesando with the building’ public spaces. Its façade will run approx. 250m along the avenue. Each floor will feature a slope contiguous with the avenue’s gentle gradient, forming a unique new type of structure in an urban setting. We are considering plantings greenery on the roof as a continuation of the trees on the street. These features will blend harmoniously in the new, revitalized Dojunkai Apartments of Omotesando.