Kit-of-parts Studies (1993)

CLIENTS: Jusco department store chain, Aoyama men's clothiers store chain, and others.

CONCEPT: A) A system which has cast nodes and various lengths of structural pipe for the frame. The pipes may double as mechanical ducting and electrical wire chases. Nodes can be fitted with adjustable dampers such that it could be possible to change supply and return routes by opening and closing dampers. B) A system based on a unit increment similar to that of shipping containers. Columns double as roof drains. Standard frames can be stacked in an infinite variety of arrangements and wall panels, glass panels, roof panels, stair units, etcetera snapped into place as required

DESIGN TEAM: Project architect: Tomohito Okudaira. Conceptual design: A. Scott Howe. Structural: Yoshiki Mihara. Mechanical: Masami Kayo, Jiro Nishimura, Akira Ono. Other design team members: Hidehiko Nezaki, Masahiro Kawamukai.

COST: Estimated 100,000-150,000 yen per square meter (approximately US$80-$120 per square foot).

DATE: Summer 1993.

STATUS: Only conceptual design steps were taken.