emmanuelle moureaux: sugamo shinkin bank ekoda

‘sugamo shinkin bank ekoda’ by emmanuelle moureaux architecture + design, tokyo, japanimage © nacasa and partners inc. all images courtesy of emmanuelle moureaux / nacasa and partners inc.

french architect emmanuelle moureaux has created another vibrant annex for sugamo shinkin bank. the tokyo-based architect has employed her concept of ‘shikiri’, literally to divide space with color, in the ekoda branch of the japanese financial chain . centered around a ‘rainbow fall’, colorful, three dimensional masts puncture the air and boldly layer in order to lend a joyfulness and gaiety to the building. color is not a superficial afterthought, rather a powerful architectonic material working on par with the rest of the built form. whereas the shimura branch of the bank used stacked planes to show a vibrant underbelly, the enoka branch creates a brilliant, rhythmic landscape that connects to the busy commercial street with a set back facade. the 9 meter tall, geometric forest of color also helps enclose a lounge-like waiting area . the kalescopic silhouettes are multiplied by the glazed curtain wall and mimic the bamboo garden. color further extends from inside to outside with complementary prismatic furniture. the shower of color creates a joyful environment of light, refreshing the mind and orchestrating movement with the lively hues.