COLD

Aomori is a mid sized city located at the northern tip of Honshu, the largest of Japan’s three islands. The climate is intensely cold for most of the year and the city records snowfall of oftentimes unparalleled proportions. On a site in the downtown area, the competition brief asked for 200 units of housing. Each unit should vary in type, with an average size of 80 square meters.

The scheme focuses on a variable unit type within a site/organizational strategy that responds to the local climate, urban conditions, and views. The Aomori climate demands that residents have interior circulation systems. The scheme deploys large areas of glazed passageways and vertical winter gardens as a way to make social spaces merge with ecological systems.

A solar wall of 150 units is situated along the northern edge of the site and rises to a height of 15 stories. The wall is an interlocking grid of L-shaped units that has dramatic views and maximum solar penetration on the south façade. Circulation is via elevators that serve two units on each level.

L SCHEME

A grid of 28 units occupies a sloping 3-story field that is essentially the solar wall turned horizontal. These units have recessed courtyards with south and west facing glass walls as well as two-story living areas.

A point-loaded tower of 20 units is situated on the southern edge of the site, marking a space between the field units and commercial space on the eastern end of the site. These units are similar to the solar wall units and are designed to capture winter sun and summer breezes. On the east and west edges of the site, shopping and office space serve as amenities to the housing. A full level of parking is below.

Project team: Neil Denari, Duks Koschitz, Flemming Tanghus