敷地は緩やかに傾斜して、桜並木に面して静かな住宅街の角地にある。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. Although its use and function are fluid, we devised a soft yet firm form that would create architectural longevity while gradually and flexibly adapting to changes.

A natural environment, including cherry blossom trees, surrounds the site. We decided to position the pavilion so that it adapts to the topography, maintaining a safe distance from its artificial environment while still keeping a close connection with its surrounding natural environment. The space on the lower floor feels close to the ground, creating a sense of horizontal expanse and stability. In contrast, the dim, hut-like upper floor space evokes a sense of vertical expansion and suspension, fostering a special atmosphere with diffused light from above and a connection to the nearby trees.

After conducting several roof studies, we decided to opt for a roof with an almost 60° angle. 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 to create spaces with rich and diverse qualities. Moreover, deep eaves beneath the roof are designed to develop the idea that the pavilion is floating above the ground and accentuate the sense of weightlessness. We believe this gives the building a contradictory feeling of being both heavy and light, rooted in the earth yet floating in the air.