junya ishigami: KAIT kanagawa institute of technology

reflecting the surrounding cherry blossom trees on its glazed façade, the ‘KAIT’ studio/workplace by junya ishigami+associates offers a range of experiences within the one open-plan volume. located at the kanagawa institute of technology campus in the suburbs of tokyo, the building was designed to offer multiple activities, enabling a sense of flexibility for its users. the brief from the client called for a place where students could work on diverse self-initiated projects of making things, while also being open for local public usage.

junya ishigami: KAIT kanagawa institute of technology
image © iwan baan

‘to ensure that users would be have the freedom to alter the spaces to meet different needs within a reasonably short time period, it began to make more sense to me to pursue flexibility in the relations between adjoining places, and in the way various spaces are connected with each other,’ explains junya ishigami.

the resulting free-forming room both blurs its edges between the numerous internal programs, and also the connection between the inside and outside world. a total of 305 pillars are dotted throughout, with differences in size and shape they reference the irregular nature of tree trunks, evoking the sense of wandering through an unknown forest.

‘[japan collection #1] KAIT by junya ishigami
video courtesy of vincent hecht

exterior view of the transparent, open-plan volume

the building is framed by a row of cherry blossom trees that reflect onto its glass façade
image © iwan baan

the light filled interior of the building
image © iwan baan

the flexible interior offers a range of activities within the one room
image © iwan baan

structural pillars are dotted throughout, mimicking the natural world outside
image © iwan baan

the building enables students to work on a diverse range of self-initiated projects
image © iwan baan

interior
image © iwan baan

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