MIKAN SHIMOKITA
Designing with Local Culture in Mind
Setagaya Ward’s Shimokitazawa neighborhood is known for its unique identity, a patchwork of cultural scenes made up of theaters, vintage stores, music venues, coffee shops, and more. Since 2019, we’ve been planning and designing the redevelopment of the area lying under the Shimokitazawa Station overpass.
MIKAN SHIMOKITA
Designed by Taiju Yamashita
Communication Planner Ryuji Nishiguchi
Communication Planner Yuta Yamamoto
Chief Designer Kihoko Kunito
Designer Jumpei Asai
Technical Designer Miki Hashimoto
3D Design Director Nevien G. Dianon
Chief 3D Designer Aiko M. Ordovez
Shimokitazawa is a neighborhood in constant flux. Inspired by the cultural innovation it has produced over the years, and taking into account the many paths it may take in the future, we designed for the infinite possibilities inherent to this state of flux. As if to symbolize this ever-changing energy, the freely stacked shipping containers interplay with the steel frames to create undulations and give the development a rich character.
In the passageway that connects the entrance to the area under the overpass, we added industrial-style light bulbs that dangle from above. This gives it a sense of chaotic liveliness which echoes the exotic stores and neon signs that populate the area. The steel frames that support the stacked containers and make up the structure, we chose to leave exposed. Contrasting with the simplicity of the concrete, the steel expresses a rugged toughness, and is key to giving the site the flexibility it needs to adapt to changes. As Shimokitazawa matures and continues to evolve in deeper, newer ways, our design will give it the platform it needs to do so.
MIKAN SHIMOKITA
Designing with Local Culture in Mind
Setagaya Ward’s Shimokitazawa neighborhood is known for its unique identity, a patchwork of cultural scenes made up of theaters, vintage stores, music venues, coffee shops, and more. Since 2019, we’ve been planning and designing the redevelopment of the area lying under the Shimokitazawa Station overpass.