A layered Tokyo's architectural gem, Kengo Kuma’s Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center redefines urban space by vertically integrating diverse functions within a compact footprint.
Situated across from the iconic Kaminari-mon Gate, the building reinterprets the neighborhood's bustling energy in a vertical format. Kuma’s design is characterized by a series of overlapping roofs that encapsulate various functions within the structure, offering a fresh perspective on traditional layered architecture. The building’s compact footprint of just 326㎡ necessitated an innovative approach, resulting in a dynamic interplay of spaces that accommodate tourist information, conferences, exhibitions, and performances.
Each floor of the center serves a distinct purpose, shaped by the angled roofs that not only demarcate the structure into eight separate "houses" but also influence the interior experience. The lower levels, featuring atriums and staircases, invite visitors to traverse through a sequence of spaces, each providing a different vantage point and relationship to the outdoors. This thoughtful arrangement reflects Kuma’s philosophy of blending architecture with its environment, creating an organic connection between the building and its surroundings.
On the sixth floor, the slanted roof is cleverly utilized to create a terraced floor, transforming the entire space into a theater. This multi-functional aspect of the design showcases Kuma’s ability to harmonize aesthetics with utility, offering a versatile venue that adapts to various needs. The varying angles of the roofs and their orientation toward the Kaminari-mon Gate ensure that each floor interacts uniquely with the outside world, enhancing the building’s role as a cultural beacon in Asakusa.
