Ora Townhall
An architectural proposal should be based on a system which allows the various opinions of its users, but gathering opinions and encouraging the participation of residents are meaningless if an architecture ends up being ordinary. Therefore, in the Ora project, we tried to first of all propose a system of architecture that would be a common language between us and the end-users. The system is steel units strapped together with metal packing bands. Strapping takes only 30 seconds. It makes us realize how cumbersome welding was. The whole building consists of the same system, so it can be easily subdivided and rearranged in the future. A perfect system alone, however, is not really interesting in itself. Sharing an unconventional space with the residents of Ora town, thinking about and enjoying the space are the real pleasures when we create architecture together. Town hall design department http://www.town.ora.gunma.jp/gateway/chousha/index.html
Function
town hall, multi-purpose space
architects
Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop
structural eng.
Ove Arup & Partners Japan
structural mech.
Ove Arup & Partners Japan