Layers of wooden slats have achieved a sense of balance at a corner structure in Tokyo’s lively Asakusa neighbourhood.
Given a site of just 326-sq-m, architects at Japanese firm Kengo Kuma & Associates were determined to create a space for a tourist information centre, plus conference rooms, a multi-purpose hall and exhibition space.
As a beacon for tourists, the structure has a representative function – plus the architects say they wanted to reflect the flair of the lively neighbourhood within the design.
The building resembles a pile of wooden huts posed on top of each other, while strong vertical properties also provide sun protection on façade’s top. Meanwhile, there’s a sense of tension in thinking of what might happen if the Jenga-like piled tower might collapse.