The Plaza of Kanagawa Institute of Technology designed by Junya Ishigami + Associates is a captivating exploration of architectural philosophy that merges versatility and the semi-outdoor into a singular, transformative experience.
Completed in 2020 in Atsugi, Japan, this project builds upon the pre-existing KAIT workshop, accentuating its spatial narrative through thoughtful design interventions.
Ishigami's approach to versatility eschews the traditional focus on multifunctionality, instead emphasizing experiential flexibility. Recognizing the campus's existing multifunctional spaces, Ishigami identifies a gap in the availability of relaxation areas. The plaza thus emerges as an ambiguous space that encourages varied interactions, inviting users to explore and engage with the environment without the constraints of predefined functions. The architecture becomes a canvas for the passage of time, where the act of being within the space is a dynamic and evolving experience.
The concept of the semi-outdoor is ingeniously addressed through a nuanced design that mediates between the existing built environment and the natural world. Ishigami retains part of the artificial campus landscape while introducing architectural elements that infuse a sense of 'outside-ness.' This duality is crafted to dissolve the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors, creating a delicate, unrestrained environment that enhances the natural diversity absent in the original setting. The result is a composed space that harmonizes with the existing structures while providing a new dimension of outdoor experience.
The landscape design is pivotal in this project, intended to be perceived both physically and mentally. The plaza invites prolonged engagement with its scenery, offering expansive planes of ground and sky that converge into a horizon, fostering a sense of boundlessness. This horizon is meticulously crafted through the architectural form: a floating iron plane supported by four walls, bending into a curved surface that echoes in the concave ground. The interplay of these planes creates a continuous, immersive environment where users can lose themselves in the expansive vistas.
Structural ingenuity underpins the project, accommodating a two-meter height difference between the campus and the project plane to integrate seamlessly with the natural ground. The iron plane's thermal expansion, up to 30 centimeters, is managed through precise engineering, with 83 piles and 54 ground anchors stabilizing the structure. This engineering feat ensures the plaza's aesthetic and functional integrity, likening it to a rotating suspension bridge in its visual impact.
Material choices further enhance the user experience. The permeable asphalt ground, cleaned and treated to absorb rainwater instantly, maintains a dry and comfortable environment even in wet conditions. This thoughtful detail underscores the plaza's aim to create a seamless interaction between people and the built nature, encouraging users to sit and relax on the sloped ground, which mimics a large, inviting bed.
Ishigami's design transforms the plaza into an emblematic space on campus, where light, sound, and form converge to create a holistic sensory experience. The filtered light through 59 ceiling openings, the sound of raindrops during rainy days, and the gentle slope all contribute to a profound connection between users and their environment. This architectural choreography of natural elements and built form culminates in a space that offers raw, natural comfort, epitomizing the concept of 'outside-ness' and fostering a deep, harmonious relationship between the campus community and their surroundings.
