敷地は緩やかに傾斜して、遊歩道や川、木々等の自然環境が広がり、一方で電波塔や交通量の多い道路等の人工環境にも面している。このような場所に、人々が集まり、語らい、夢を共有出来るような小さな処(ところ)が求められた。様々な人々の利用が想定され、用途や機能さえも流動的であるということから、私達はこの建物が長い時間この世界の中で生き続け、様々な変化に柔軟に応えられる様な、柔らかくも強い形式を考えた。

建物は周辺環境との距離や地形をなぞるように配置され、地面に近く横の広がりを感じる明るい一階と、足元や上部の光、付近に立つ既存樹木など、縦や斜めへの意識が広がる薄暗い小屋のような2階とで構成される。特徴的な屋根は軒が深く、地面から浮いたように見え無重力感を際立たせている。それにより建築は重たくも軽いようで、大地に根付きながらも空を舞う様な矛盾した様相を呈す。

It all started with a simple idea - a small place where people could gather, talk, share their dreams and create endless possibilities. Thus surges Ukiya - a kind of floating pavilion - it can be used by a variety of people, and even though its use and function are fluid, we came up with a soft yet strong form that would allow this building to remain in this world for a long time, while gradually and flexibly adapting to changes.

The site is surrounded by a natural environment such as forest, river, but also an artificial environment with roads and factories. We decided to position the pavilion so it adapts to the topography, keeping a safe distance from its artificial environment, yet connecting a close connection with its surrounding natural environment. The space on the lower floor feels close to the ground and creates a sense of horizontal expanse and stability, while a dim, hut-like upper floor space creates a sense of diagonal expansion and suspension, creating a special atmosphere with a diffused light from above and in touch with the trees nearby.

After several roof studies, we decided to go along with an almost 60° angle roof. Although this design is very different, it echoes 合掌造り gasshozukuri - a traditional architectural structure featuring steep thatched roofs found in snowy regions of Japan. Besides withstanding heavy snowfall and creating comfort in both summer and winter, we believe it has the potential of creating spaces with rich and diverse qualities. Moreover, we have also created deep eaves for this roof, so the pavilion appears to be floating above the ground and accentuates the sense of weightlessness. This gives the building a contradictory feeling of being both heavy and light, rooted in the earth yet floating in the air.