The design of this building was influenced by the site's small size (600m) and the need to generate useful space at reasonable cost. Moreover, comfortable access to the work area was needed when permission was obtained from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Waterworks to lease a piece of its land abutting the back of the site, while the owners focused on the main facade.
We decided to use a 21.6m-span, full-height design for an unimpeded view of the main street, and to control southwesterly sunlight using precast concrete slabs and aluminum shades. We used the leased land for a back entrance, but also needed an exit onto the main thoroughfare, in case the lease should be cancelled. The various elements came together in a horizontal facade with an outside stairway that created a simple, integrated presence.