kengo kuma: asakusa culture tourist information center

the ‘asakusa culture tourist information center’ in tokyo is situated on a corner lot of 326 square meters across from kaminari-mon gate. designed by kengo kuma & associates, the multilevel structure has been conceived to accommodate plural programs including a conference room, multi-purpose hall and exhibition space.

the center is situated on a corner lot across from kaminari-mon gate
image © takeshi yamagishi (also main image)

the overall architectural scheme has been developed in a way that each of the floors from the exterior is defined by varying roofs which extend from the center of the building, as if multiple volumes – 8 one-storied houses – have been piled on top of one another. the diagonally shaped spaces born between the ceiling and the ground of the level above, act as storage space for various equipment, and also secures large air volume despite its overall height for high and medium-rise buildings. these not only divide the establishment, but determine the various programs housed within.

the ground floor atrium with open stairs leading to the second level
image © takeshi yamagishi

the first and second floor has an atrium and in-door stairs, creating a sequence from which you can feel the sloping of the two storeys. the 6th takes advantage of its slanted roof, whereby a terraced plane allows the entire room to function as a theater. as the angles of the roofs incline towards kaminari-mon, with the heights from the ground varying between the stacked volumes, they all relate differently to the outside, giving a unique character to each space.

second floor
image © takeshi yamagishi

the interior takes advantage of the sloping roofs of each volume
image © takeshi yamagishi

terraced roof
image © takeshi yamagishi

the building looks as if it is composed of 8 one-storied homes
image © takeshi yamagishi