Schemata Architects' 63.02° in Tokyo is an ingenious play on minimalism, with an angled facade that transforms its urban constraints into a visually expansive, serene experience.
Schemata Architects' 63.02° project in Nakano, Tokyo, masterfully reimagines the relationship between architecture and its densely packed urban surroundings. Situated on a compact 48sqm site, this SOHO-apartment hybrid employs subtle ingenuity to transcend its spatial limitations. The building’s defining feature is its facade, angled precisely 63.02 degrees toward the street. This calculated inclination not only embraces the surrounding views—most notably a neighbor’s cherry tree—but also transforms the narrow confines of its plot into a visually expansive experience. Through this act of spatial choreography, Schemata engages with the urban environment in a way that feels both restrained and playful.
What makes 63.02° so compelling is its minimalist dedication, where the interplay of materials—concrete, glass, and steel—creates a seamless aesthetic across three distinct levels. The rigorous adherence to form is a testament to the discipline of Japanese architecture, and yet, there’s a refreshing looseness in the way the facade interacts with the public space. The angled walls open outward, creating unexpected visual dialogues with the city, offering a tranquil respite from Tokyo’s hectic rhythm. This delicate balance between form, function, and context speaks to Schemata Architects' ability to create spaces that are at once practical and profoundly contemplative.
