The Duplicated Edge in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan by KTX archiLAB

Article source: KTX archiLAB 

Toshin Satellite Preparatory schools gained considerable place in the Japanese cram schools business despite being subject to a strong competition. This development is mostly due to the perpetual seeking of space renewal and services improvements

For its location in Kawanishi, the school needed new reception, consultation and conference spaces in order to be more attractive and provide better accessibility to both subscribed and prospective students.

From Entrance, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

• Architects: KTX archiLAB
• Project: The Duplicated Edge
• Location: Kawanishi, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
• Photography: Stirling Elmendorf
• Client: Matsuo Gakuin
• Head Architect Designer: Tetsuya Matsumoto
• Area: 108sqm
• Date of Completion: March 2017

The Sharp Counter, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

The new room available on the same floor of the mixed-use building where the classrooms are located is however relatively narrow. Dividing the space into separate functional rooms would create a non-comfortable atmosphere, creating a simple open space would result in a feeling of being crushed by the very low ceiling of the space.

Conference Rooms, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

From Conference Room, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

The Duplicated Edge Design offers an alternative use of the space; instead of a traditional reception desk facing the entrance and creating a deep back ground of spaces, the reception was made in a sharp-edged triangle pointing to the gate and suggesting two subdivisions of the room. On the left side the information and registration counter providing enough space to four school assistants. Across this space is a one-step elevated consultation space where two tables were placed. The narrower part of this triangular space is gradually elevated to transform into sitting space. The right side of the reception counter mutates into a low counter used for administrative documents. This side serves two meeting and conference rooms which were made in white cuboids with glazed walls facing the counter in an attention to keep the visual continuity.

The Long Side Counter, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

From the Tables, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

The wall separating these spaces from the background is covered in mirrors extending the view to wider dimensions. The two doors at the end of each corridor were equally finished. The same logic was used to resolve the problem of the low ceiling. Instead of the mirrors, sandwiched reflective aluminum panels were used for safety reasons. These reflective panels were applied over the serving spaces letting the triangular shapes demarcating the different functions of the space.

axonometric, Image Courtesy © KTX archiLAB

Additionally, and in order to introduce a dynamic effect guaranteeing a smooth vertical move of the eye into the ceiling, the triangular counter was covered in a gradually ascending white panel enhancing its sharpness and linking it to the upper part. The dynamic of the space is duplicated by the reflection in the wall and ceiling generating an attractive yet functional image more adequate to a contemporary preparatory school.

kawanishi plan, Image Courtesy © KTX archiLAB

Tags: Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Categories: Business Centre, Educational Center, Headquarters, Interiors, Office Building, office Complex, Office space, Offices

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