#PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS
takuyahosokai immerses niigata community center within the natural landscape
tokyo-based practice takuyahosokai has completed the design of ‘plate’ — a community building in niigata capable of hosting a variety of different functions.
occupying 4,500 square meters, the single storey structure is located within a rural area, surrounded by trees and native vegetation. the scheme consists of a market that sells locally sourced produce, and a restaurant that exclusively serves dishes made from the same regional ingredients. an event space that hosts exhibitions and concerts is also included.
the building is oriented to appear as if it is submerged in the forest, allowing its occupants to retreat from their everyday lives. set amid ancient trees, visitors can enjoy the sight of roots emerging beneath their feet and leaves flourishing overhead. the structure’s formal concept is derived from the region’s elongated roofs, designed to shift heavy snowfall. this canopy connects each part of the design: the market, the kitchen, and the event space. the roof can also be expanded to accommodate the site’s future growth. ‘the project will retain a sense of ordered chaos,’ explains architect takuya hosokai. ‘the architecture will grow organically as it is passed on to future generations.’
the building employs typical methods used in constructing single-storey wooden homes. widely utilized materials, such as metal brackets and joints, are carefully selected and positioned with respect to both the spatial and structural requirements. although seismic activity was a concern, it was more important that the east and south facing walls provided clear, unobstructed views of the forest. the gable walls have been designed to transmit seismic forces from the roof plane by forming a truss with the ridge beams.
