02. THE PHOTOGRAPHERS’ COURTYARD Time: 2017 Spring Location: Tokyo, Japan Course: LSU Second-Year Design Studio Type: Site Design Duration of Project: One Month Nature of Work: Academic Role: Individual
Photographers need a flexible space to work, learn, and play. Good lighting and background are the two keys to produce photographs with high quality. A space that can inspire ideas or relax users is helpful for the process of photography. Photographers also value the opportunities to learn from other people, to be inspired by any activities, or to build a relationship with potential clients.
Photography is a popular cultural activity in Japan especially in Harajuku which is a cultural area in Tokyo. Harajuku is known for its modern and trendy fashion. As a result of population density, the buildings are smaller and denser than the typical residential buildings in the US. Located in Harajuku, the photographers’ courtyard in this project includes multi-use space providing the flexibility and functionality preferred by photographers.
The main challenges in the courtyard are privacy, limited space, and functions. Bamboo buffer is designed at the entrance to improve privacy. Movable screens are used to define multi-use flexible space. Outdoor furniture and music bar are planned to serve as amenities and help attract potential clients.
The Culture of Photography in Japan
The Connection between the Courtyard and Photographers Connection between the Courtyard and Photographers Workflow of Photographers Workflow of Photographers
“Design “Designideas ideasare arecreated created specifically to improve specifically to improvethe the experience of activities in experience of activities in thethe courtyard.” courtyard.” Step 1 inspiration, step 2 scenario, photo Step 1 inspiration, step 2 scenario, photo angle, step 3 sketch, and step 5 production angle, step 3 sketch, and step 5 production areare thethe main activities cancan bebe planned in in thethe main activities planned outdoor courtyard. outdoor courtyard.
Ideas Ideas
Concepts Developed Concepts DevelopedtotoImprove Improvethe theWorkflow WorkflowofofPhotographers Photographers 1
More Colors in Courtyard Creativity
Colorful Flower Design
3
Social Opportunities Activity Hub
Artistic Sense Relaxed Space
Multi-Use Space Promotion of Creativity
Promotion of Inspiration Promotion of Creativity
Party and Performance
Outdoor Music
2
Photography Hub Outdoor Classroom Promotion of Photography
Communication / Education
5 Social Opportunities Relaxed Space Educational Zone
Entrance View Blocker Privacy
Waiting Zone Idea Brainstorm Space
Mystery Security
Outdoor Lounge
See-Through Entrance Inviting Environment Cultural Association
Japanese Style Entrance •• Idea IdeaPictures PicturesObtained Obtainedfrom fromInternet Internet
Bamboo Buffer
Natural Light High Flexibility Casual Environment Better Quality Shoot
Outdoor Lighting
High-end Environment Identity Eastern Cultural Symbol
Black Bamboo Planting
Eastern Cultural Symbol High Flexibility Simple Background Space Definer
Screen
Less Maintenance Less Light Reflection High Quality
High-end Basalt Paving
Social Opportunities Activity Incubator Extra Amenities
Outdoor Bar and Drinks
Site Location
Tokyo The Photographers’ Courtyard
Harajuku
0 2500 ft
Tokyo, Japan Camera Lens: 18 mm = 23.5 billion sq ft
Courtyard Area: 1000 sq ft
0
500 ft
Harajuku, Tokyo Camera Lens: 55 mm = 11 million sq ft
The Photographers’ Courtyard, Camera Lens: 135 mm
Design Alternatives
Linear Concept - Regular Time
Vertical Concept - Regular Time
L Shape Concept - Regular Time
Advantage: Clear Path Disadvantage: Lack of Privacy, Separated Space
Advantage: Enough accessible Space Disadvantage: Unclear Circulation, Too Many Seats
Advantage: Social Zone Included, Multi-Use Areas Disadvantage: Inconvenient Storage
Linear Concept - Photography Time
Vertical Concept - Photography Time
L Shape Concept - Photography Time
Advantage: Clear Photography Area Disadvantage: Limited Accessible Space
Advantage: Clear Space Usage Disadvantage: Easy Distraction as close to Entrance, Viewpoint at the Entrance
Advantage: Flexible Space, Enclosed Space, More Privacy Disadvantage: Noisy Photography The area around the Bar
Spatial Analysis Program Diagram
Compositional and Functional Diagram
Enclosure and View Diagram
Accessibility and Circulation Diagram
Design Features - Hardscape and Softscape
C
3’
A/B
6’
3’
40’
3’
4’ C’
Paving Material Pervious Concrete Black Paving Material Basalt Tiles Black Paving Material Concrete Black Polished Finish Edging Aluminum Silver
4’
A’/B’
Pseudosasa japonica Arrow Bamboo 10 Feet High 3 Feet Spread Hosta ‘Abby’ Hosta 1 Foot High 1.5 Foot Spread Phyllostachys nigra Black Bamboo 10 Feet High 3 Feet Spread Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary 2 Foot High 2 Foot Spread
Wisteria sinensis Chinese Wisteria 6 Feet High 2 Feet Spread Lavandula x intermedia Lavandin 2 Feet High 1 Feet Spread Rhododendron indicum Japanese Azalea 3 Feet High 3 Feet Spread Mulch Wood Chips Black
Daily Life in the Courtyard
This is a perfect place to take pictures. Look forward to uploading my new portrait to Instagram.
Entrance View
I learn a lot from you today and I feel more creative with the colorful flowers around us.
Educationl and Social Time
Design Features - Furnishings Regular Time (8 A.M. - 9 A.M., 11 A.M. - 2 P.M., 5 P.M. - 9 P.M.)
① ⑨
⑥
⑫
③ ⑦ ②
A 3’
3’
15’
Bar
⑪
④ Outdoor Classroom
⑤
A’
10’
9’
Outdoor Lounge
Buffer Zone and Entrance
Photography Time (9 A.M. - 11 A.M., 2 P.M. - 5 P.M.) ① ⑨
⑫
⑩
③ ⑥
⑦ ②
B 3’
3’
15’
Bar
⑪
④
⑤
10’
Photography Studio
B’ 9’
Relax Area
Buffer Zone and Entrance
Party Time (9 P.M. - 2 A.M.)
① ⑨
⑫
③ ⑥ C 3’
⑧ ⑦
②
3’ Bar
⑪
④ 15’
10’
Dancing Pool
Social Area
⑤
C’ 9’
Buffer Zone and Entrance
⑤
Landscape Light Green
⑨
Wall Pink Concrete
Ground Speaker Black
⑥
Bar Counter Brown Wood
⑩
Screen White Plastic
③
LED Light Purple
⑦
Bar Stool Brown Wood
⑪
Outdoor Lounge Brown and White Wood and Leather
④
Gallery Light White
⑧
Bar Table Black Plastic
⑫
Japanese Style Gate Light Brown Wood
①
Overhead Speaker White
②
Courtyard in Different Uses
I need to grab a drink from the bar after this picture.
Photography Time
I like the music and the performance. The guy in front of me looks good!
Performance and Party Time