We renovated the old steel building, originally used as a factory / office, into a workspace for an artist to use for the next several decades. In order to improve the building performance, we applied fireproof coating and structural reinforcement. The construction of the original building was based on the value of “quantity over quality.” As a result, you can see various gaps and distortions all over the building after 40 years, which are made even more clearly visible by newly applied coating and finishes. We intend to transform these gaps and distortions into unique spaces where one encounters unexpected experiences.

The space on the first floor serves as exhibition space, atelier, meeting room, and shop. The large infra-free kitchen table, which is divided in two, is movable and adaptable to multiple purposes. The second floor, which is lined with tatami and equipped with mirrored walls intersecting in an L-shape, is mainly used for kimono fitting as well as accommodating various activities such as Rakugo (a traditional Japanese comedy performance.) The third floor is Hiroko Takashi’s personal space, equipped with an office space for her computer work and a greenhouse where she grows edible plants.

Architect Jo Nagasaka was born in Osaka. After graduating from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts of Tokyo University of the Arts, he established “Schemata Architects” in 1998. In 2007, he started “HAPPA” sharing a gallery, shop and other facilities. Among his works are “Sayama Flat”, “63.02°”, “PACO”, “House in Okusawa”, “Aesop Aoyama/Ginza”, “MR_DESIGN OFFICE”, “LLOVE”, “HANARE”, “Today’s Special Jiyugaoka/Hikarie” and “Hue plus”.