What was the main concept behind the Shibuya Station design?
The main concept for the Tokyu-Toyoko Shibuya Station is the idea of a 'spaceship' (an hypogenous ship floating deep under the ground). The subway station located 30 meters below ground is composed of a central void contained inside an egg-shaped shell, where we aim to create a space that explores the essence of both architecture and civil engineering fields. In addition, we also aim to reduce the station’s dependency on air conditioning equipments by letting the outside air blow into the underground space, creating a natural ventilation system that is energy saving.
What were the challenges and benefits of designing a transportation hub, and one almost completely underground?
The Shibuya Station is one of Tokyo’s most important transportation hubs, where several public and private train and subway lines intersect, bringing in an average of 2.5 million people per day that circulate through the station. The portion of the station I designed for this major hub has an average daily flow of about 400,000 users, so I intended to give special attention to the smooth circulation of people.
The existing underground stations in Tokyo are generally very confusing, generating a sense of disorientation, making it very difficult to find your way and getting around. This is due to the fact that it is very difficult to recognize your own position in relation to the street level’s world and in addition to the constant shift of direction you are forced to make in the labyrinthine underground world. In order to help people’s orientation in this underground world, giving them a sense of spatial perception and improving the functionality of the station, I created a 15 metre central void from concourse level B2 to the platform level B5, and wrapped it all up within a symbolic egg-shaped shell.
The central void also acts as an important element for the natural ventilation system, enabling the flow of air to reach the entire 30 meter below ground space of the station, with reduced support of mechanical air conditioning system.
What is your favourite method of working? Do you produce space mainly via models, hand drawings, computer, everything, or other ways?
When designing, I use various methods and tools to develop the project, such as sketches, computers, and physical models. I choose the most suitable and appropriate technique for each phase of the design process but I invariably start the design with a hand sketch.
How do you choose the projects you will work on? What is the main criterion?
I decide to accept and undertake a commission whenever I can find a common relationship between what I and the client have as vision for the project, within the limits of what I aim to create and express through architecture. In the case of the Shibuya Station, the Tokyu Corporation( the client) and I had a common ambition and vision of creating a station that would have a transcending and timeless attractiveness.
What would your ideal project be?
The best projects are those originated as result of passionate discussions of sometimes conflicting ideas between the architect, the contractors, the craftsmen and a client that has a clear philosophy and vision of what he wants to build.
Do you prefer teaching or practicing architecture?
I think architecture is something to be created rather than taught. Architecture students should assimilate and digest the basic concepts, and then build up their own design attitude.
How has the perception of architecture changed since you started practicing?
Since I consider architecture as something that should gently enclose people, providing safety and peace of mind, I have always tried to create spaces that satisfy people in a spiritual way. This attitude towards architecture has been consistent since I started my own career as an architect.
What was your office's most significant project, built or unbuilt, when you were starting out?
My architecture today is the result of countless encounters with many people I’ve met and every experience I’ve had through my long career. In this sense, every single project is precious to me and I cannot choose only one that is the most important for me.
How big was your practice when you first established it, and how big is it now?
I started out my office with 5 staffs and currently I have around 30 staffs and I have no intentions to expand my office more than this.
What do you think is the most important trait one could have as an architect?
Architecture has a strong public nature and social responsibility. Therefore, architects, through their works, should always be concerned about the society and the local community. Architects should have the ability to recognize and identify social problems and use architecture as a concrete tool and way of expression to dialogue with society.
If you could change something in your work so far, is there something that you would indeed change?
There is nothing I would like to change in my previous works.
What advice would you have for today's young generation of architects?
In general, it seems to me that the young and so called 'computer generation' lacks enthusiasm. In order to master any form of art, including architecture, one should make frantic efforts. However, today’s youth don’t seem to have the guts to fight for something with real passion. Therefore, I really hope that today’s youth do their best and make desperate efforts to achieve something. I am sure that during this arduous process of getting to somewhere, they will find a 'light' that will guide them through their entire life.
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