When thinking about a one-room space with variability and economic efficiency in a wooden architecture, the designing phase normally starts from planning a uniform grid. When trying to create sections of different characters in such a space, isn’t it possible to make a grid system itself have a slight orientation or characters rather than merely using secondary elements such as partitions or furniture for the purpose?

Sticking to the vision of “creating a place of learning with no limitation in usages,” we decided to set a moderately curving grid conforming to the land’s shape and place columns at the grid’s intersections. The slightly skewed grid with columns at intervals of 2m creates unit spaces with different levels of skewness. In addition to the slightly different unit spaces, floor levels were adjusted in accordance with the surrounding landscape to create a workspace on the upper level connecting with the outside field, and bed booths and plumbing equipment placed on the lower level.

The curved grid was geometrically adjusted to standardize structural joints into several patterns to achieve homogeneity of components and simple construction work. Also, a groove and holes were put into each of the four sides of the columns to give the flexible and adaptable grid system details and clues for users to customize the space.

The autonomous architecture system without excess dependence on variables such as diversified contexts and programs is embodied straight into the building’s appearance. We aimed to create a space that projects a connection of experiences in and out of the building and serves as a base for students’ creation. (Archiscope, miCo., POINT, Schenk Hattori, and Sho Kurokawa architects)

Excerpt from P.136, SHINKENCHIKU April 2021 Issue