kengo kuma converts tokyo warehouse into la kagu event space

kengo kuma converts tokyo warehouse into la kagu event space
image © keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo
all images courtesy of kengo kuma and associates

in tokyo, japanese architect kengo kuma has transformed a former book warehouse into ‘la kagu‘ – a event space in the city’s kagurazaka district. as the region is characterized by its historic townscape, the design team sought to create a new public space – together with a café and a shop – which closely resembled a more natural terrain. situated on at the top of a hill, the shop is oriented towards the passing street, and is connected to the adjacent pedestrian crossing below with an organically-shaped wooden staircase. the steps diverge halfway up, with one flight leading to the refurbished interior.

an organically-shaped wooden staircase connects the scheme with its surroundings
image © keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo

the steps diverge halfway up, with one flight leading to the refurbished second floor
image © keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo

the insertion closely resemblea a natural terrain
image © keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo

inside the renovated event space
image © keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo

the project serves as a new public space within the city of tokyo
image © keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo

project info:

name: la kagu
location: tokyo, japan
completed: september, 2014
use: shop, café
area: 962.45 sqm
photography: keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo