AESTHETIC BUILDING OF MUSIC

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Images © Shigeo Ogawa & Kensuke Aisaka

Name it or describe it, whatever concept and architecture will deliver it to you through the inventive minds of creative architects all over the world. Can you imagine this exclusive Building of Music? It communicates the direction of the building of the future by placing emphasis on space management and aesthetics while achieving the main purpose for the structure. Designed by Aisaka Architects’ Atelier, the commercial complex which is for a music company comes with the company’s main offices, music classrooms, instrument sales and storage spaces.

The aesthetic structure is located in the Kanda-Ochanomizu area of Tokyo, an area known for its large market of music stores. The architects conceived the project following the client’s request that the building has to efficiently combine a variety of functions, this include rooms for lessons in piano, violin and other musical instruments; a hall for recitals; a professional recording equipment shop; storage for wholesale instrument sales; and offices to manage these various aspects of their businesses according to Arcdaily website.

According to the architect, as quoted by Archdaily website, part of the requirements for this structure are related to soundproofing, views, daylighting, shade, and usage time varied for each floor, and the likelihood that these requirements would change in the future was high. We, therefore, decided to use a double skin that maintains a unified exterior appearance regardless of how rooms are being used or whether windows are open. We selected a mesh membrane that sways at high altitudes, can easily be rounded in all directions to allow for optimal sky-view ratios, and is porous to light and air.

The architect further narrates more of the process involved and particles that made up the building which includes polyester fibers coated with PVC resin, the fireproof exterior mesh membrane blocks visibility from the outside while allowing those inside to see out. A solar reflectance rate of 33 percent lowers the air conditioning load by 28 percent. The membrane can be bent three-dimensionally, and because it is light and perforated, there is little structural stress from either the weight of the material itself or wind pressure. Because there is no danger related to the material falling to the ground, it is easy to replace and maintain and can be reused. The covid-19 pandemic has increased the appeal of facades such as this that enhance natural ventilation while maintaining privacy.

The form of the building considers the irregular lot shape, codes related to height and setback, and necessary elements such as emergency stairs, balconies, plumbing, and wiring as well as the need to express the company’s identity. We incorporated shapes inspired by various musical instruments, adjusted to maximize capacity. The mesh-covered façade evokes a speaker sending music into the neighborhood, transforming the building into a giant sign advertising the company inside.