Koizumi Douguten

Japan Commercial Environmental Design Association (JCD) Review

The small-scale space of this renovated old Japanese wooden building comprises sites of various purposes—a shop, an office, a warehouse, a workshop, and a viewing room. Yet, it is surprisingly austere. Its space recreates the old Japanese household concept of the “beauty of use” (which is different from functionalism). Various elements, ladders, the ceiling, furniture, and lighting are installed in an exquisitely balanced manner, creating a rich design in the spirit of “MA” (space).

Architectural design: Koizumi studio / Makoto Koizumi, Izumi Oshiba, Masaki Hirata
Award: JCD Design Award 2013 Gold Prize