Naoi Architecture & Design Office

Higashi Sanchome Toilet

Higashi Sanchome Toilet
© Satoshi Nagare, Courtesy of The Nippon Foundation

HIGASHI SANCHOME TOILET

Nao Tamura

ARCHITECTS
Nao Tamura

PHOTOGRAPHS
Satoshi Nagare, Courtesy of The Nippon Foundation

YEAR
2020

CATEGORY
Public Architecture

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Nao Tamura

COURTESY
The Nippon Foundation

LOCATION
Shibuya City, Japan

The bathroom is a place where we address physical needs universal to all mankind, regardless of age, sexual identity, nationality, religion, or skin color.

Higashi Sanchome Toilet
© Satoshi Nagare, Courtesy of The Nippon Foundation
Higashi Sanchome Toilet
© Satoshi Nagare, Courtesy of The Nippon Foundation

As we come into an age of increased awareness, how can a communal space like the public bathroom evolve in order to effectively accommodate our infinitely diverse needs?

Higashi Sanchome Toilet
© Satoshi Nagare, Courtesy of The Nippon Foundation
Higashi Sanchome Toilet
© Satoshi Nagare, Courtesy of The Nippon Foundation

Living in New York, I have been privileged to witness the LGBTQ+ community living in alignment with their sexual identities.

As I designed this public bathroom for a small triangular lot in Shibuya, I envisioned a society that embraces the LGBTQ+ community and holds space for them to live their truth.

Higashi Sanchome Toilet
© Satoshi Nagare, Courtesy of The Nippon Foundation
Higashi Sanchome Toilet
© Satoshi Nagare, Courtesy of The Nippon Foundation

I realized that what enables each user a comfortable experience boils down to safety, privacy and urgency.

With this in mind, I created three separate spaces that redefine the way a public bathroom establishes personal space.

Higashi Sanchome Toilet
© Satoshi Nagare, Courtesy of The Nippon Foundation
Higashi Sanchome Toilet
© Satoshi Nagare, Courtesy of The Nippon Foundation

The design was inspired by Origata, a traditional Japanese method of decorative wrapping.

A symbol of gift-giving, this motif embodies the spirit of hospitality towards Shibuya ward’s multinational visitors, and carries my vision to create a safe space that envelopes all users.

This design represents my hope for a society where people from all walks of life feel safe and are able to thrive.

Naoi Architecture & Design Office
T +81 3 62737967 F +81 3 62737968
Naoi Architecture & Design Office
2F-A 3-1-9 Surugadai Kanda Chiyoda Tokyo 101-0062, Japan