architecture studios captured by marc goodwin in japan
Expanding his documentation of workspaces in different corners of the world, Archmospheres photographer Marc Goodwin takes us today on a tour of architecture studios across Japan. This latest series is rooted in a personal project by architect, writer, and model builder Samuel Michaëlsson, who approached Marc to shoot several Japanese practices following the autumn of 2019, just before Covid 19. During that period, Michaëlsson traveled to Japan to interview the participants featured here. The collection of videos combines clips from Samuel’s interviews with Marc’s new work. ‘I’ve been working on a project for a number of years now, documenting (mostly) young Japanese architects and looking at how the architectural landscape there has changed drastically from one generation to another. I have conducted around 20 interviews over a period of three years,’ he tells designboom. From Kengo Kuma and Associates to Akihisa Hirata, Terunobu Fujimori, and Noiz, explore below the daily atmosphere of 16 different studios across Japan.
all images © Marc Goodwin | @archmospheres
Atelier Fujimori
Marc Goodwin (see more here) begins his photographic tour in Japan, jointly with Samuel Michaëlsson, in Minami Aoyama, Tokyo. There, architect and historian Terunobu Fujimori found shelter for his current atelier in 2017, transforming the spaces of a converted residential building from the 1990s. Operating solo within the 815 square-meter structure, Fujimori is seen, below, deep in focus with a pencil in hand, sketching out his latest ideas.
Atelier Fujimori
Akihisa Hirata Architecture Office
The next stop is the Akihisa Hirata Architecture Office in the Nishi-azabu district of Minato-ku, Tokyo. The practice, founded in 2005, unfolds as a 323 square-meter space within a building erected in 1985. The structure itself holds a rich history, having served as both an office and residence prior. Today, Hirata is joined by a team of 21 dedicated creatives.
Akihisa Hirata architecture office
Atelier Tenjinyama
Established at the intersection of architecture and art, Atelier Tenjinyama by Ikimono Architects is a five-people practice situated in Takasaki City, Japan’s Gunma Prefecture, occupying 62 square-meter within a relatively new building (erected in 2011).
Atelier Tenjinyama
Kengo Kuma & Associates
In Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Marc Goodwin captures the atmosphere of Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA), nestled inside the BY-CUBE building erected in 2003. With iconic projects spanning 40 countries, the globally praised architecture studio taps into the relationships between nature, technology, and human beings. Over 300 individuals contribute to KKAA’s vision, tackling a wide array of architectural forms, including urban planning.
Kengo Kuma & Associates
Tsubame Architects
Tokyo-based Tsubame Architects describes its specialization as ‘social tectonics’. Founded in 2013 by Takuto Aando, Motoo Chiba, and Himari Saikawa, the firm features two divisions: the studio, where they perform the architectural design work, and the lab, which focuses on researching to refine the framework in the design phase and devise ways to activate them in the post-construction phase. the studio’s work mainly focuses on interior design, including residential projects and workspaces.
Tsubame Architects
Tomito architecture
In the city of Yokohama, tomito architecture transforms a former house-office into a snug architectural workspace. Eight people collaborate within the 65 square-meter office, tackling projects ranging from stores and beauty salons to welfare facilities, residence, and gardens.
