kazuyo sejima: shibaura house office building, tokyo

japanese architect kazuyo sejima has completed ‘shibaura house‘, a multistorey building containing flexible workshop spaces located in shibaura tokyo, japan. this bustling new center positioned within the business district and a short walking distance from main transportation lines provides diverse areas within the various levels. capable of supporting a wide range of functions and activities, individuals or groups may hold meetings, conferences, events, lectures and exhibitions within unique interior and terraced plan arrangements.

front elevation
image © naoyafujii (also main image)

the tensioned steel structure supports a glass curtain wall penetrated with intermittent setbacks containing open air terraces on the front and back elevations. upon entering the premises, visitors find the ground floor lounge is open to the public, furnished with chairs and tables for universal usage. upper study levels are connected to the primary focal patio with a curving staircase integrating an outdoor experience into regularly traveled circulation paths. the ‘bird room’ is perched at the highest story providing a versatile space for dance classes and communal gathering filled with ample daylight.

first level meeting space oen to the public
image © naoyafujii

view of second and third level study lounges from curving staircase

focal curving staircase
image © japantwo

view of street and curving staircase from third level study lounge

view of second level roof terrace from above

(left) terrace connecting study lounge levels
(right) study lounge
images © naoyafujii

study lounge
image © naoyafujii

study lounge
image © naoyafujii

interior stair within double story height space
image © naoyafujii

workshop occurring within the ‘bird room’
image © shibaurahouse

(left) external stair to access roof terrace
(right) roof terrace
images © naoyafujii

upper level terrace overlooking the street
image © japantwo

section
image © kazuyo sejima

illustration of various activities occurring within the building
image © jody wong