This was a group project between Lyndsay Sherak and myself to design two infill buildings in an extremely narrow space in Ginza, Tokyo. Due to limited space in Tokyo, and the high price of real estate, we aimed to maximize the usage of the space by intermingling the two programs and making the top floor open space transformable.

1. Ginza, Tokyo
Front Perspective
Ginza, Japan. 1:34 p.m.
Upon entering the REI
Flagship store, the shopper
is submerged in a virtual
field of green grass. A
ramp summons him up into
REI FLagship Store
the heart of the building,
twisting and turning
around the narrow
interior. He is intrigued by
a group of ballet dancers
coming past him down
the ramp, seemingly out
of place. Turning the
corner, he glimpses a room,
empty but for a mirrored
wall. Soon realizing it is a
dance studio, the shopper
is surprised. More dancers
immediately enter the room
from an interior chamber
and begin their dance
practice. He continues
up the ramp, finding the
first REI retail space, the
shoe department. After
much deliberation, the
man decides on a pair of
hiking boots. Although
hiking boots were all he
came to buy, the shopper
is fascinated by the
uniquely-programmed
towers, and continues.
The next turn of the ramp
lead directly around the
middle, engulfed building.
Offering a great view of
the surrounding Ginza,
the glass tunnel also
allowed him a glimpse
into the middle building, a
confectionary. He made his
way through the building,
encountering several REI
merchandise platforms, as
well as dance classes. The
man soon realizes that the
large glass chasm passing
through one of the towers
morphs into the pinnacle,
a spacious glass showroom
containing REI’s newest
items and prototypes.
After looking around and
enjoying the view, he makes
his way back down to the
street in his new hiking
boots.

2. Rear Perspective
Morphoses Dance Studio
Ginza, Japan. 9:02 p.m.
Excited to see the Morphoses Ballet Company, the
couple passes the threshold into the tower. They
immediately are aware of the huge open-air glass
chasm over their heads. The massive rift cuts
through every floor of the building, finally revealing
a glimpse of the starry night sky. Passing through
the doors, the couple climbs the main stairs and
makes their way to the elevator. The elevator ride
passes quickly. As the doors open to reveal the
theater, the couple is astonished. The theater is
completely glass, offering a beautiful view of Ginza
from all directions. After exploring the theater
and mingling with other patrons, it is time for the
performance. The couple finds a front row seat and
settles in. The surrounding clear glass suddenly
begins to fog, and is soon opaque. Dramatic red light
is suddenly projected on the clouded glass behind
the stage, creating a backdrop as the dancers enter.
The performance is outstanding. The acoustics were
surprisingly good for an all-glass chamber, the
couple comments to each other. Perhaps because
of the mysterious objects floating high above their
heads. As the show ends and the dancers receive
a standing ovation, the glass magically clears,
revealing the lively skyline. The couple makes their
way back to the elevator, already planning their next
visit.

3. Morphoses Dance Studio
South Tower Section

4. Morphoses Elevator
REI Ramp
REI FLagship Store
Interior Program Circulation Perimeter Circulation
Ginza, Tokyo
North Tower Section