Amar Bari

Apartment for Hiroaki Iwasa

This architecture is a four-unit rental apartment for single person households in central Tokyo. It was designed based on the Japanese philosophy of Chisoku. And it was designed with bare concrete frame that maximize the limit of the site, and also with wooden booths where minimum living facilities and appliances were hidden inside. As a result, a freely space with a height of 3.5 meters was created. The residents use this blank space as an opportunity to enjoy their lives and to use it to collaborate with the local community. The project was designed to capture this blank space.

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Amar Bari by Hiroaki Iwasa

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Apartment by Hiroaki Iwasa

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Hiroaki Iwasa Amar Bari

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Hiroaki Iwasa Apartment

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Hiroaki Iwasa Designer Portrait Photo

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Unique Properties

This architecture is a four-unit rental apartment for single person households in a high-density residential area located in Central Tokyo. It was designed with bare concrete frame that maximize the limit of the site, and also with wooden booths where minimum living facilities and appliances are hidden inside. This creates a 3.5 meters high freely usable space, which enables each resident to enjoy creating a lifestyle they envision. The project was designed to capture this blank space.

Tags

chisoku, minimal philosophy, reinforced concrete, apartment, emptiness

Production Technology

The structure is very simple, using a Frame made of reinforced concrete to ensure high soundproofing and sound insulation as well as a solid space, the equipment booth is made of wood, so that it can store various equipments and its piping with very limited space. These are consistent with the selection of materials that are optimal for each part's function and lifespan, and also leads to simpler construction work.

Design Challenge

The challenge was not just minimizing space, but also seeking for a comfortable lifestyle. Residents can also cook simple course meals in the kitchen. The compact washroom which is the size of an airplane lavatory has storage and also some room to change. The bathroom also comes with a clothes dryer, and residents can either chose a bathroom with a bathtub or just a shower. Also as of research, Hiroaki Iwasa designed on the upper surface of the wooden booth, a space which can be used as a loft.

Project Duration

The project started in March 2009 and finished in January 2011 in central area of Tokyo.

Operation Flow

The residents use this blank space, which has no specific purpose, as an opportunity to enjoy their lives and to use it to collaborate with the local community. For example, the residents use the space as an art studio, music studio, office, gallery, etc.

Research

To maximize the blank space required a minimal and essential dimensional survey of equipment space and human movement. Based on the research, Hiroaki Iwasa could to expand residents' range of movement and capacity by designing spaces for daily living facilities such as kitchens, toilets, bathrooms, and laundry rooms as spaces with multiple functions rather than single functions.

Inspiration

Chisoku is one of the Japanese philosophy, a philosophy that infinitely expands other possibilities by not having excessive desires and valuing the bare essentials. Not only does it concern time and space, but also the relationship between objects and people's minds.The project was based on this philosophy.

Image Credits

Photographer Hiroshi Tabuse

Project Overview

Amar Bari Apartment has been a Iron winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Hiroaki Iwasa was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Amar Bari Apartment.

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