An andon / lantern in the park. Glass toilet in Tokyo by Takenosuke Sakakura
21/09/2020.
[Shibuya - Tokyo] Japan
metalocus, MARÍA ANASTIDAS
metalocus, MARÍA ANASTIDAS
Japanese architect Takenosuke Sakakura has completed a public toilet as part of the ongoing, Nippon Foundation's Tokyo Toilet project, initiative. The module has three unisex toilets that glow at night like an "andon" / lantern" in Tokyo's Nishihara Itchome Park.
Sakakura's contribution is involves into the design and build of 17 restrooms across Shibuya city, designed by leading Japanese architects as Tadao Ando, Shigeru Ban, Fumihiko Maki and designers as Nao Tamura.
Sakakura's contribution is involves into the design and build of 17 restrooms across Shibuya city, designed by leading Japanese architects as Tadao Ando, Shigeru Ban, Fumihiko Maki and designers as Nao Tamura.
Greenery and sunlight create a comfortable space. Andon Toilet. Toilet in Nishihara Itchome Park by Takenosuke Sakakura. Photograph by Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of the Nippon Foundation
Side exterior view. Andon Toilet. Toilet in Nishihara Itchome Park by Takenosuke Sakakura. Photograph by Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of the Nippon Foundation
A bright and inviting atmosphere. Andon Toilet. Toilet in Nishihara Itchome Park by Takenosuke Sakakura. Photograph by Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of the Nippon Foundation
Front exterior. In the center is the fully accessible “everyone’s toilet” with ostomate facilities. Unisex stalls are located on both sides. Andon Toilet. Toilet in Nishihara Itchome Park by Takenosuke Sakakura. Photograph by Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of the Nippon Foundation
The fully accessible “everyone’s toilet” is equipped with a baby chair and ostomate facilities. Andon Toilet. Toilet in Nishihara Itchome Park by Takenosuke Sakakura. Photograph by Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of the Nippon Foundation
Frosted glass reveals the patterns of trees. Andon Toilet. Toilet in Nishihara Itchome Park by Takenosuke Sakakura. Photograph by Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of the Nippon Foundation
The unisex stalls are equipped with large and small toilets and a sink. Andon Toilet. Toilet in Nishihara Itchome Park by Takenosuke Sakakura. Photograph by Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of the Nippon Foundation
Unisex stalls designed for both men and women. Andon Toilet. Toilet in Nishihara Itchome Park by Takenosuke Sakakura. Photograph by Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of the Nippon Foundation
Gentle light illuminates the area. Andon Toilet. Toilet in Nishihara Itchome Park by Takenosuke Sakakura. Photograph by Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of the Nippon Foundation
Takenosuke Sakakura’s design, named Andon (after a Japanese type of lantern) which replaces a former toilet in Nishihara Itchome Park, will be illuminated at night to make the park a more inviting space.
"By constructing a facility that is bright and open in the limited space of the site, we hope to improve the image of not only the restroom but the entire park."
Takenosuke Sakakura
Outside, the building has three doors to go into three unisex toilets, enough to ensure a reasonable wait time, within a regular rectangular element. Inside, the walls are finished with frosted glass, silk-screened with trees.
Project description by Takenosuke Sakakura
Andon Toilet
The former restroom in Nishihara 1-chome were uninviting and rarely used.
We thought it was important to create a facility that not only fulfills the basic requirements of a public restroom, such as having enough toilets to ensure a reasonable wait time, but offers a unique appeal that encourages more people to use the facility.
By constructing a facility that is bright and open in the limited space of the site, we hope to improve the image of not only the restroom but the entire park.
We hope that the restroom will illuminate the park like andon, or lanterns, creating an inviting public space for the visitors.
More information
Creator
Client
Builder
Location
Nishihara Itchome Park. 1-29-1 Nishihara. Tokyo. Japan
Dates
Completed.- August 31, 2020.
Photography
Satoshi Nagare, SS Co.,Ltd. Hojo Hiroko.
Takenosuke Sakakura
Takenosuke Sakakura. Born in Tokyo, 1946. Son of Junzo Sakakura. After graduating from the Department of Architecture at Nihon University, joined the Sakakura Architectural Research Institute founded by Junzo Sakakura. Founded Sakakura International in 1979, later renamed Sakakura Atelier in 1998. Currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sakakura Associates. Major works include Gallery Saka, the residential building in Tokyo Midtown, and the Oiwake Club villas.
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