Kengo kuma converts tokyo warehouse into la kagu event space

In tokyo, japanese architect kengo kuma has transformed a former book warehouse into ‘la kagu‘ – a event space in the city’s kagurazaka district.

as the region is characterized by its historic townscape, the design team sought to create a new public space – together with a café and a shop – which closely resembled a more natural terrain. situated on at the top of a hill, the shop is oriented towards the passing street, and is connected to the adjacent pedestrian crossing below with an organically-shaped wooden staircase. the steps diverge halfway up, with one flight leading to the refurbished interior.

 

the steps diverge halfway up, with one flight leading to the refurbished second floor image © keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo

 

the insertion closely resemblea a natural terrain image © keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo

 

inside the renovated event space image © keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo

 

the project serves as a new public space within the city of tokyo image © keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo

 

image © keishin horikoshi / SS tokyo