This small wooden building is situated along a main street in Osaka City, an area shaped by urban development such as roads and subway construction. Previously farmland, the land was subdivided, leaving narrow, triangular plots. This particular site stretches 59 meters in length and connects directly to the road, with its shortest side measuring only 4 meters, forming a distinctive triangular shape.
The spacious storefront is ideal for commercial use. In the past, a grocery store and a tented octopus restaurant occupied the space, with the tents extending onto the sidewalk and creating their own bustling commercial street. This protruding area beyond the public road offers a unique and vibrant character distinct from conventional streetscapes.
After the shop owner retired, the storefront closed down, leaving the sidewalk open to the sky once again. This vacant space, however, became prone to illegal dumping and graffiti on the surrounding metal walls. Initially, the project aimed to establish a beauty salon on this site.
The design includes a beauty salon on the west side with sufficient space, measuring 12,740 mm in length. Since over half of the street-facing area remains open, a multifunctional space and a rental office are proposed beneath the eaves. Although these two tenants are separated, no wall is built on the shorter side, allowing visibility and connection between the spaces and the outdoors. The structural system features a single support post, 105 mm square, subtly dividing the area.
A wooden framework was erected on this previously abandoned urban site, fostering a close relationship with the adjacent road. Additionally, a beverage stall offering mixed juices was introduced to create an inclusive space that welcomes the diverse local community.
While buildings typically line the street, this project aims to invite urban activity inside, fostering a seamless interaction between road and structure. The greatest appeal of this location lies in the variety of people who will pass through and engage with the building once complete.
Project Drawings
△ Plan View
△ Structural Analysis Diagram
Project Information
Architect: Office for Environment Architecture
Area: 67 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Yohei Sasakura
Lead Architect: Norio Yoshinaga
Location: Osaka, Japan
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