5 key facts about this project
Kojan is located in the vibrant urban area of Tokyo and serves as a meditative space. The design contrasts the fast-paced environment of the city with elements of reflection and communal participation. Inspired by the Swedish "koja," this small hut evokes childhood memories of creativity and play. Its overall concept is about inviting users to experience both meditation and the collaborative act of building, while connecting more deeply with their surrounding environment.
Design Concept
The simple and functional structure stands 3.3 meters tall and has a circular footprint measuring 2 meters in diameter. The design features three rings of different sizes. These are created by steam-bending bamboo stalks into circles and securing the ends tightly with rope. This approach not only provides stability but also highlights the versatility of bamboo as a building material.
Materials and Construction
Three thicker bamboo stalks serve as legs to support the hut. These legs are firmly bound to the rings, forming a strong bamboo core that is covered in two layers of susuki straw, which attach to the outer rings. A small opening in the lower layer serves as the entrance, making it easy to enter while enhancing the sense of shelter from the outside.
Interior Design and Atmosphere
Inside Kojan, a circular weave of bamboo is suspended at sitting height, creating a space conducive to meditation and relaxation. A slanted opening in the ceiling allows natural light to enter, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere. This combination of light and structure fosters a sense of peace, aligning perfectly with the hut’s purpose.
Urban Integration and Sustainability
Kojan is designed to fit various locations in Tokyo, such as sidewalks, busy streets, or spaces between buildings. The project relies on locally sourced materials like bamboo and susuki straw, which strengthen the relationship to the natural surroundings. It embodies sustainability through its temporary nature; it is meant to be rebuilt each year after the harvest of susuki straw, reflecting the cycles of nature and renewal.
The design culminates in a circular opening in the ceiling that connects the interior to the sky, inviting elements of nature into the user’s experience while reinforcing the hut’s peaceful and reflective environment.
