Harmonizing Functions: Building of Music
A Musical Hub in Tokyo
The Building of Music, designed by Kensuke Aisaka, serves as a commercial complex for a music company in Tokyo’s Kanda-Ochanomizu area, renowned for its numerous music stores. This complex integrates music classrooms, instrument sales and storage spaces, and the company’s main offices within a small and irregularly shaped lot.
Versatile Design for Diverse Functions
Given the diverse functions required by the client, including music lessons, recitals, instrument sales, and office management, the building needed to efficiently accommodate various activities. The challenge was to design a space that could cater to piano, violin, and other instrument lessons, provide a hall for recitals, house a professional recording equipment shop, and offer storage for wholesale instrument sales, all while incorporating office spaces.
Innovative Design Solutions
The design prioritized factors such as soundproofing, views, daylighting, shade, and flexibility in usage. To address these requirements, a double-skin façade was employed to maintain a consistent exterior appearance while allowing for adaptable interior spaces. A mesh membrane, chosen for its flexibility and permeability to light and air, was utilized for the exterior skin. This membrane, made of polyester fibers coated with PVC resin, provides both privacy from the outside and visibility from within.
Sustainability and Adaptability
The exterior mesh membrane not only enhances natural ventilation and daylighting but also contributes to energy efficiency. With a solar reflectance rate of 33 percent, it reduces the air conditioning load by 28 percent. Moreover, its lightweight and perforated nature minimize structural stress and allow for easy replacement and maintenance. The design, particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizes natural ventilation and privacy, making it appealing in today’s architectural landscape.
Musical Inspiration in Form
In addition to its functional considerations, the building’s form pays homage to its musical context. Inspired by various musical instruments, the design incorporates shapes that maximize capacity while expressing the company’s identity. The mesh-covered façade, resembling a speaker projecting music into the neighborhood, serves as a distinctive feature, transforming the building into a symbolic advertisement for the company housed within.
Through its innovative design solutions and harmonious integration of form and function, the Building of Music stands as a testament to architectural creativity and adaptability in the heart of Tokyo’s vibrant music scene.
