02. Yokohama Apartments

2022

Academic Work

Yokohama, Japan

A Case Study for Multi-Purpose Residential Design INTRODUCTION

Yokohama Apartment designed by ON Design Partners is a two-storey residential complex consisting of four elevated private residences which act as the canopy for a semi-public courtyard below. This apartment complex is designed for four artists, each having their own private space while sharing a common space to use as a studio or art gallery when needed. The double-height, semi-public courtyard is used by residents of the neighbourhood to engage in public activities. The lifted private residence gives rise to a series of four triangular columns which act as transition spaces between the public and private. The volumes that comprise the building are stacked in odd - and at times, awkward - orientations similar to the planning of its surroundings. With winding roads and homes stacked on top of one another, Yokohama Apartment perfectly captures the essence of its neighbourhood.

NEXT: Axonometric drawing highlighting the building’s connection to city streets

FURTHER: Exploded axonometric drawing

SNAKES & LADDERS: My second concept model is designed to exemplify how the project’s arbitrary stacking also creates a maze of staircases.