Located in a bustling shopping district between JR Nakano Station and Araiyakushi Station, the Odawara Residence redefines our relationship with urban space and architecture. Situated on the historic Yakushi Airodo shopping street, this small-scale residence and gallery represents a thoughtful urban development amidst the familiar scene of miso shops, Japanese sweets shops, butcher shops, ramen shops, and public bathhouses that have been the lifeblood of the area for generations.
Odawara Residence Technical Information
- Architects: Niko Design Studio
- Location: Yakushi Airodo Street, Tokyo, Japan
- Topics: Japanese Houses
- Site Area: 65 m2
- Floor Area: 106 m2
- Project Completion Year: 2017
- Photographs: © SOBAJIMA, Toshihiro, © Nishikubo Taketo
I hope the buildings I build will be loved by the town as shopping district ruins.
– The house owner
Odawara Residence Photographs
Embracing the Future through Ruins
The inception of this project was driven by the owners’ desire to contribute meaningfully to the shopping district’s future. In an area where the sudden emergence of condominiums and houses posed a threat to the community’s vibrancy, the owners envisioned a space that would not only serve their needs but also enhance the fabric of the neighborhood. Their ambition was clear: to create architecture that would one day be cherished as the “beloved ruins” of the shopping arcade, embodying the memory and history of the community while inspiring future generations.
The design philosophy behind this project is characterized by its innovative approach to integrating public and private spaces. The ground floor serves as a semi-public area designed for community engagement through an atelier, gallery, or store, while the residential quarters are located above, accessible via an exterior staircase. This separation ensures future flexibility in the building’s use, addressing the transient nature of urban development.
A key feature of this design is the strategic setback of the upper floors from the street, creating a sense of openness and connection between the residential spaces and the shopping district. The introduction of an external terrace and a “Piloti of the Town” further blurs the lines between private and public domains, offering a sheltered yet inviting space for interaction and engagement.
The Evolution of Urban Ruins
Two years post-completion, the unforeseen relocation of the owner’s family prompted a reimagining of the building’s role within the community. Managed by the architects, the space transformed into a vibrant hub for tourists and locals alike, hosting a range of activities from Airbnb accommodations to wedding parties and serving as a communal workspace during the stay-home period.
As the building began to intertwine with the natural growth of plants, it not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the shopping district but also symbolized the resilience and adaptability of urban spaces to societal changes. This evolution speaks to the essence of “future ruins,” where architecture transcends its original purpose to become a living, breathing part of the community’s history and identity.
Odawara Residence Plans
Odawara Residence Image Gallery
About Niko Design Studio
Niko Design Studio is an architecture studio based in Tokyo.
