Unique Architecture in Tokyo: Kengo Kuma, Tadao Ando and Shigeru Ban Take on Toilets

Nabeshima Shoto Park, Jingu-Dori Park, Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park, Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park

©Nagare Satoshi The Nippon Foundation

Main content starts here.

added on : November 7, 2022

Tokyo’s tradition of fascinating contemporary architecture takes an unexpected turn into the world of toilets with the help of masters like Kengo Kuma, Tadao Ando and Shigeru Ban.

In the central Tokyo city of Shibuya, toilets combine with Japan's famous hospitality in THE TOKYO TOILET , a project that sees 16 renowned Japanese creatives design 17 stylish, functional and inclusive facilities that exchange the ick factor associated with public toilets for comfort and class.

Nabeshima Shoto Park: The Organic Architecture of Kengo Kuma

Five separate toilet facilities, each with a different layout and serving a different need, create a woodland village. The cluster of bathrooms are connected by a path and covered with cedar board louvers, helping them to blend into their surrounding environment.

©Nagare Satoshi The Nippon Foundation

Jingu-Dori Park: Toilets x Rain Shelter by Tadao Ando

This modern-looking facility features a flat, circular roof that juts out over the walls to provide shelter from rainstorms. The outer wall of vertical slats mimics a traditional external corridor and allows wind and light in for a breezy, well-lit space.

©Nagare Satoshi The Nippon Foundation

Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park: Innovative Architecture from Shigeru Ban

Ban designed with cleanliness and safety in mind—and the glass walls of his creations allow you to ascertain both with a glance. When not in use, the walls are transparent. Once the door is locked, the glass becomes opaque, providing complete privacy.

©Nagare Satoshi The Nippon Foundation