Standing on an open space near building 3, this pigeon tower is a new landmark in midorigaoka area and provides a chance to observe animal’s behavior. Through the study of the ecology of pigeon and the typology of pigeon house, a tower is decided for it can protect pigeons from their enemies. From limited materials, plywood is used for the whole tower. The outside skin is a surface structure made by bending and cladding the plywood, which also integrates the entrance of pigeon into it. The basic measurement of one unit and opening is determined by the behavior of plywood and spatial needs of pigeons. The inside wooden boxes act as individual house for the pigeon and help to support the surface structure. The beam on the top follows the spiral tendencies of boxes and thus points diagonally to the boundary of space. Together with the topography, this creates a dynamic relationship between tower and surrounding.
Student: Jelmer Buurma
Aoyama Hills
The assignment is to design a “palazzo” for Tokyo in Aoyama. The site is located between the Aoyama Kitacho Danchi (low-density social housing area) and the Aoyama Dori, which provides a typical urban situation in Tokyo, with high-rises standing along the main commercial street forming a “wall”, protecting the low-rise housing area behind.
The concept of the project is to continue the urban fabric of “wall” and maintain the contrast of the two sides of the site by designing a palazzo with two very different sides, reacting respectively to the different urban situations. The different functions and spaces are organised around a central void. Facing the Aoyama Dori are mainly offices and other public functions, while facing the Danchi area are mainly apartments with a private terrace for each. The apartments take the form of terrace housing in order to adjust to the height difference between the two sides of the site, allowing more light into the spaces at the same time. A structure system of columns and slabs is chosen so that there is more flexibility in accommodating spaces with different dimensions for various functions.