Temporary Housing of Rikuzentakata, Japan by SUGAWARADAISUKE + Architect Lounge

Article source: SUGAWARADAISUKE  + Architect Lounge

Village-like contemporary housing unit complex merges into the surrounding natural landscape. As a result of collaborative works by local carpenters and architects, this housing complex shows how humanitarian aid could possibly work.

Image Courtesy SUGAWARADAISUKE + Architect Lounge

• Architects: SUGAWARADAISUKE + Architect Lounge
• Project: Temporary Housing of Rikuzentakata
• Location: Otomo-cho Usozawa, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Pref., Japan
• Housing Unit: Sumita Housing Industry Corporation
• Housing Unit Architect: Kazuhito Nakano
• Infrastructure And Master Plan: SUGAWARADAISUKE + ARCHITECT LOUNGE
• Architect: Daisuke Sugawara (SUGAWARADAISUKE), Masayuki Harada (ARCHITECT LOUNGE)
• Construction: Sumita Housing Industry Corporation
• Structure: Wooden frame and bearing wall
• Area: 29.81 sqm
• Height: 3,765 mm
• Construction unit: 60 units
• Site area: 18571.76 sqm
• Construction area: 1788.60 sqm
• Design: March 2011 – May 2011
• Construction: May 2011 – July 2011
• Photographer: Takumi Ota

Image Courtesy SUGAWARADAISUKE + Architect Lounge

Sumita, a part of Kesen region, is a neighboring town nearby Rikuzentakata. This housing complex is constituted of this town’s “temporary wooden housing unit.” Architects planned infrastructure and housing organization. This “organization” was the key concept for the design we proposed. The existing infrastructure was actively utilized. Housing units were arranged to provide different views from interior to create interaction with other residents through gardens, while appropriately protecting private space.

Image Courtesy SUGAWARADAISUKE + Architect Lounge

Though this housing complex is recently built, it has an ever-lasting “village-like” atmosphere. In the local communities throughout the devastated areas, “linking design” would function to reevaluate and relocate local resources. By interpreting given condition, new strategy would revive the essence of spaces. We believe the role of architects is to be searched within this attitude.

Tags: Japan, Rikuzentakata

Categories: Housing Development, Temporary Housing

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