tadao ando contributes to the tokyo toilet project with a louvred cylinder

celebrated japanese architect tadao ando presents his contribution to the tokyo toilet project with this cylindrical toilet in jingu-dori park. the larger project comprises the design and build of more than seventeen such architecturally-minded public restrooms across tokyo’s shibuya city. the initiative, run by the non-profit nippon foundation has already led to the realization of toilets by such creative minds as shigeru ban, masamichi katayama, and fumihiko maki.

all images by satoshi nagare, courtesy of the nippon foundation

tadao ando realizes his contribution to the nippon foundation-run tokyo toilet project to exceed the boundaries of a public restroom. the work is intended further to become a ‘place’ of immense public value in the urban landscape. surrounded by cherry trees, the circular structure is a short walk from shibuya station. seeking to introduce a place of rest and community, the designer organizes the cylindrical volume with wide, projecting eaves to create a wrapping engawa, or porch-like space.

walking from shibuya station brings visitors to the south entrance — there is also an entrance to the north

pritzker prize winning architect tadao ando comments on the process of designing his tokyo toilet in jingu-dori park: ‘it was vital for me to make a space that was comfortable and safe. visitors can move inside a cylindrical wall of vertical louvers to feel the comfort of the wind and light from the surrounding environment. a feeling of safety will be emphasized by the free and centripetal circulation which passes through to the other side. this toilet tucked away in the greenery that is jingu-dori park will be known as ‘amayadori’.’

space underneath the eaves is a communal relaxing area