takenaka weaves shared kitchen spaces with living units for company dormitories in japan

japanese development firm, takenaka corporation, was tasked with creating a company dormitory building for asahi in osaka, japan. the dormitories are meant to host single employees, and to provide a place where they can explore hobbies and lifestyles, and build intimate relationships and communities within. located in an old residential area, the building is divided into six volumes of three-stories each. the reduced height fits in with the scale of the surrounding houses.

takenaka arranged the building volumes around a central courtyard, and set up a series of open spaces or ‘common spots’ between them. it will allow natural light and ventilation into the public spaces and aims to become a place for communication and even the residents’ second living room. the architects also organized the units into two compact private rooms with a shared kitchen where residents can cook and eat.

the shared kitchen features a large wooden sliding door that can be completely opened to the exterior. this way, the kitchen extends into a shard public space, fostering the feeling of community between the residents. residents can share food made in the communal kitchen with friends at the neighboring common spot. the shared kitchen will create relationships with others, encouraging the community to grow within the dormitories.

the circulation paths in the building, such as the courtyard and outdoor staircases, are also pleasant gathering spots that encourage people to socialize. the dormitories have a variety of spaces, from independent dormitory rooms to open public areas. the architects designed the building with the hope of allowing each resident to choose a place where they feel comfortable and nurture relationships with other company employees.

project info:

name: asahi facilities hotarugaike dormitory kaede

client: asahi facilities inc.

architect: takenaka corporation (tetsuo kawai, yasushi goda, shunsuke daimatsu)

location: osaka, japan

photography: tomoki hahakura (exc. bird’s eye view)

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edited by: cristina gomez | designboom