T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan

T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan

‘plaza circle’ by t2p architects takes shape in kanagawa, japan 

 

Japanese practice T2P Architects was invited to design a circular visitors plaza at the entrance of the Atsugi Forest Environmental Research Center, a training facility owned by Kansei Kogyo, which specializes in managing and cleaning sewer pipe networks. Set in the Morinosato district of Atsugi City, Kanagawa, the plaza features a three-layered circular courtyard comprising outdoor toilets, washbasins, and disaster prevention wells, elements usually located at a corner of the park. At the center, a water garden brings a bout of freshness and a layer of play for children visiting the space.

T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan
images © Vincent Hecht | @vincenthecht.photography

 

 

amplifying the presence of water 

 

The central courtyard is an outdoor washbasin space where one can feel the sound of the water flowing in the water garden. The four restrooms surrounding the courtyard, each with a view of the water garden, are quiet spaces with independent walls blocking the outside view. On the other hand, the outside of the floating wall was planned as an active water area for children to play with water in continuity with the grass. The abstract white space that amplifies the presence of water reflects the company’s continued commitment to purity,’ writes T2P Architects (see more here). 

T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan
three-layered circular plaza

 

 

a circular space inspired by pipes 

 

The circular design was specifically inspired by the sewer pipes handled by the company, taking shape as three-cylinder spaces of different heights. The team explains further: ‘The indoor and outdoor hand wash basins were converted from hume pipes. The restroom sign was designed as a three-dimensional pictographic sign combining VP pipes, which are drainage pipes. We tried to convey the image of ‘pipes’ as much as possible in the details of the building. We hope visitors to the ‘Plaza Circle,’ which embodies the company’s spirit, will be inspired to think about the sewage infrastructure that supports the city, which they are usually unaware of.’

T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan
T2P Architects recalls sewer pipes in its design

T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan
the plaze sits at the entrance of the Atsugi Forest Environmental Research Center

t2p-architects-plaza-circle-designboom-full-4

T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan
an abstract white space amplified by water

T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan
an outdoor washbasin and four toilets occupy the courtyard-like volume

T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan

T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan
sweeping gestures overtake the plaza

t2p-architects-plaza-circle-designboom-full-1

T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan
each toilet has a view to the water garden

T2P architects sculpts three-layered circular plaza inspired by pipes in japan

 

t2p-architects-plaza-circle-designboom-full-5

 

 

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project info:

 

name: Plaza Circle

loction: Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan

client: Kansei Company 

architecture: T2P Architects | @t2parchitectsoffice

design team: Tomonori Miura, Shikwan Yang, Tatsuhito Ono

electrical & plumbing: C.H.C System Co., Ltd. / Toshihiko Shibuya

branding: P.O.T lab / Shikwan Yang, Tomonori Miura, Tatsuhito Ono

structural engineering: Ascoral Engineering Associates / Naoto Kashimoto

general contracting: Kojimagumi Co., Ltd. / Teruyuki Takayama, Akio Nakazawa

signage: Affordance / Atsushi Hirano

photography: © Vincent Hecht | @vincenthecht.photography

site area: 652.41 sqm

built area: 24.84 sqm

floor area: 24.84 sqm 

building height: 4.52 m

ceiling height: 2.28 m 

eaves height: 4.5 m

maximum height: 4.52 m

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