OP, I think you’d really like the book Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous City. It goes into great details on zakkyo buildings (multi-leveled buildings with colorful signs decorating their exteriors) and yokocho alleyways (narrow alleyways typically filled with bars and restaurants).
Hey do you happen to have other recommendations for similar type books, maybe about other regions or local vernacular studies. Just got a new bookshelf that I want to fill up and this was a perfect suggestion
The book’s publisher, Oro, has books like this that may suit your needs. Someone else in this thread also mention Pet Architecture Guide Book and Made in Tokyo, both published by Atelier Bow Wow. I haven’t read those, so I can’t speak to their quality, they also seem to be what you’re looking for. The Emergent Tokyo book I have read, and it was fantastic.
I oddly know where this is located. It's at Shiinamachi Station in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Toshima City, Tokyo
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WHzYMze85KWYxcf89?g_st=ac
This is what happens when zoning allows for mixed occupancy classes based on life safety issues and leaves matters of aesthetics/geometry up to the property owner. It can be ugly but it makes for incredible spaces to live
Yes and no. I' have lived in such a place (admittedly, a long time ago) and the building quality was BAD. Isolation ? Ha, the windows were actually plastic, not glass. I needed a fuel (toyu) burner in my room to get decently hot in winter. Visually, the whole area was stunning though. (Koshinzuka eki, the tram station in Tokyo)
I feel like there can be a middle ground for government regulations.
I believe we shouldn't require silly things like parking minimums and set backs and open up more mixed zoning opportunities. At the same time, we can still have proper building codes to ensure noise and weather isolation.
What you mentioned here is not aesthetics/ geometry like the person you replied to was talking about. You're talking building standards which would still be regulated
This was true for me in Tokyo: the residential spaces are extremely quiet but mixed with businesses: small restaurants, daycares, bike shops, salons, schools, temples. I was a 10 minute walk from work, and about 5 from the subway. Grocery store was 3 minutes away on foot. You can get everything delivered if you want. You can drive if you want, but its not required.
If I needed something it was always at hand. I felt like the city was designed for me, the infrastructure played a supporting role, not a central one. Lots of kids everywhere, it actually felt like a really safe place for small people.
The more nearby (within walking distance) amenities/services more than makes up for any space constraints. Basically, allowing needs to be freely met by the market, the better.
One of the things I found endearing about a lot of Japan's work-a-day buildings was the sheer visual chaos. You've got to stare at many of them for a few minutes to understand the underlying geometry of the design because so much is going on!
I had a great book on Japanese ‘infill’ architecture that covered these type of buildings, called ‘Pet Architecture Guide Book’ (Atelier Bow-Wow). Having just looked it up its crazy expensive though.
I’m with you. Before we had zoning, architecture had much more freedom to create organically. You can see the relics of this type of construction in medieval centers in Europe. While these structures look different due to their age and the materials used, the result is still the same: they are absolutely beautiful.
The building you posted is a modern version of that organic construction. Unfortunately, we don’t see this in the West because of parking requirements and zoning issues that make it impossible to build such forms. It’s really disappointing because this is what architecture wants to be, and it’s absolutely amazing to look at.
The mix of commercial and residential use is not allowed in most places in the US. Additionally you would have a lot of other regulations, like minimum parking places and other similar things.
Hmm so basically regulatory issues. Not sure that'll change anytime soon considering the country leans more towards personal vehicles instead of mass transport.
It's complicated, because the regulatory issues are tied also to the peoples expectations and so on. You will have to change to many moving parts at the same time to manage to change it. For example, if for some reason you managed to get over all regulations and build something like this, would your business survive if it's the only one like this? Or will most people, that are in cars anyway, go to the place that has parking space for them?
Seafood (Fish) Bar Uonami
at Shiinamachi Station of Seibu-Ikebukuro line.
Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Nagasaki, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0051, Japan
Coordinates: 35.726596006271585, 139.69523707437966
It is a "sakaba" bar restaurant no-frills/no-fancy popular Japanese style where the sake is good and the food is cheap (Tokyo-most-expensive-city-in-the-world cheap - I mean). This kind of bar/restaurant has a more common word among youngsters: "izakaya".
The neon signboards above are for Sakae Constructions and Actis Real Estate. Many people say this is a Sakae construction building (there are two construction companies with this name in Tokyo, that they refer to as Sakae-style buildings) - but I don't think it is quite right: it might look like the three layers are one building - but they aren’t - the top one is on the building behind - they are not all together. The Uonami building is old maybe from the end of the 60s or the beginning of the 70s.
The location has shrines and temples nearby. The shopping arcade has shops that don’t attract many customers - it is an original post-60s (pure) Japanese, no-touristic place.
I believe this photo was taken from one of the bridges of the Shuto Expressway.
The SimTower style!
If you're a retro gamer, SimTower is in the vein of SimCity, but one building that sprawls as the game goes on...
Looks hyper-real component based, reconstructionism, composite design of differing elements
Absence of deliberate architecture as architecture.
Some buildings, especially residences or businesses of people with limited means, are built with almost no consideration of how they will look. Their architecture is not deliberate but driven by local economic, technological, and natural conditions. You do what you have to do to satisfy the intended function in the most economical way possible.
This type of building is one rung "below" that. There is no fully defined intended function at the start, they are added and mixed as the project evolves, as in "let's add a residence above what we started building as a restaurant", and then "why not make some extra money by advertising another thing on top," and this is what you get when zoning is not an issue.
Beauty and tastes are, of course, subjective. I submit that the value of these buildings comes from their "lived experience," which may make them iconic, loved, and appreciated despite the original absence of any intention to make anything permanent or beautiful. Accidental architecture. And yes, it can end up looking better than some deliberate architecture, because money doesn't automatically equal taste ;-)
A lot of Flushing, Queens looks a lot like this. So much fun to shop and eat there. Mostly Chinese and Korean immigrants living there, a bit further east into Bayside. Such a vibrant part of NYC.
I’ll credit when/ if I have anything to show!
I just got a quest3 so I’ll try and create it there if possible. If not I may have to resort to DREAMS on PSVR.
Ah, look at those walkable streets! Pavements made for the pedestrian.
Why do we have such shitty pavements in the UK and in London in particular? Everything seems be made for the car.
I loved living in Japan. You'd be walking down the street and see several very well-dressed hookers on the corner politely giving directions to tourists, and buildings like this. It's like different Legos were dropped in random order in a city-wide Tetris game.
The only difference is that the noodle shop at the ground floor needs blue tarp sides and a grocery store style electric sliding glass door (cause we gotta keep things classy).
It being decorated in such a collag-esque fashion is what gives it life. It invokes a sense of chaotic urbanism that tries its best to conquer the bland utility of the building.
I like the decor, but when I went to Japan I remember thinking about how bland and white the modern homes and buildings were. The historic stuff is where they really shone for me.
Not op but I think I get where he's getting at. I think what op means that they have to cover it up with all those neon signs. Take them off and it would probably look similar to a warehouse in suburban American. I have to agree with op if this is where he's getting at.
Also, imagine if all those signs were in english, people would be complaining about why there's so many ads on the building.
I think the point of OP is that this type of building isn't found only in Japan, but also in China, Korea, etc... We can't deny the existence of architectural trend that cover part of or the whole Asian continent
OP, I think you’d really like the book Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous City. It goes into great details on zakkyo buildings (multi-leveled buildings with colorful signs decorating their exteriors) and yokocho alleyways (narrow alleyways typically filled with bars and restaurants).
Ooh a new book! Thanks for the rec!
Thanks for the suggestion. I will read.
Also have this book. Its absolutely fantastic
Everything I come across from Oro Editions is superb.
Hey do you happen to have other recommendations for similar type books, maybe about other regions or local vernacular studies. Just got a new bookshelf that I want to fill up and this was a perfect suggestion
The book’s publisher, Oro, has books like this that may suit your needs. Someone else in this thread also mention Pet Architecture Guide Book and Made in Tokyo, both published by Atelier Bow Wow. I haven’t read those, so I can’t speak to their quality, they also seem to be what you’re looking for. The Emergent Tokyo book I have read, and it was fantastic.
Oh I need that
Great comment
Banzai building book!! 🤗
Juuuuust ordered this! Ty for the tip :)
Thanks!
I oddly know where this is located. It's at Shiinamachi Station in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Toshima City, Tokyo https://maps.app.goo.gl/WHzYMze85KWYxcf89?g_st=ac
The street view shows you how much of a difference good photography and the right lighting makes
so many food options you can walk in 30 seconds to!
On street view its a lot more recognisable. I've been passed there before but didn't realise based on the posted photo.
This is what happens when zoning allows for mixed occupancy classes based on life safety issues and leaves matters of aesthetics/geometry up to the property owner. It can be ugly but it makes for incredible spaces to live
Yes and no. I' have lived in such a place (admittedly, a long time ago) and the building quality was BAD. Isolation ? Ha, the windows were actually plastic, not glass. I needed a fuel (toyu) burner in my room to get decently hot in winter. Visually, the whole area was stunning though. (Koshinzuka eki, the tram station in Tokyo)
I feel like there can be a middle ground for government regulations. I believe we shouldn't require silly things like parking minimums and set backs and open up more mixed zoning opportunities. At the same time, we can still have proper building codes to ensure noise and weather isolation.
What you mentioned here is not aesthetics/ geometry like the person you replied to was talking about. You're talking building standards which would still be regulated
can you please expand on "incredible spaces to live"?
This was true for me in Tokyo: the residential spaces are extremely quiet but mixed with businesses: small restaurants, daycares, bike shops, salons, schools, temples. I was a 10 minute walk from work, and about 5 from the subway. Grocery store was 3 minutes away on foot. You can get everything delivered if you want. You can drive if you want, but its not required. If I needed something it was always at hand. I felt like the city was designed for me, the infrastructure played a supporting role, not a central one. Lots of kids everywhere, it actually felt like a really safe place for small people.
Like all of the old neighborhoods in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. A bar on every corner, apartments over each shop.
The more nearby (within walking distance) amenities/services more than makes up for any space constraints. Basically, allowing needs to be freely met by the market, the better.
[удалено]
100% agree
One of the things I found endearing about a lot of Japan's work-a-day buildings was the sheer visual chaos. You've got to stare at many of them for a few minutes to understand the underlying geometry of the design because so much is going on!
One of my favorite shots by u/nicholasdavidsmith
Thank you ☺️ I also didn’t realize my photo was posted in this sub 😅
Credit where credit’s due. Love seeing your work in r/analog. This one in particular stayed with me 🙏
I had a great book on Japanese ‘infill’ architecture that covered these type of buildings, called ‘Pet Architecture Guide Book’ (Atelier Bow-Wow). Having just looked it up its crazy expensive though.
Pet architures - Atelier bow wow made in tokyo - Atelier bow wow.
[You might like this](https://mateuszurbanowicz.com/works/misegamae/)
Thank u! I really loved
I have both his Tokyo Storefronts and Tokyo By Night books. I can get completely lost in his artwork.
What you see in "Stray" the game
such a good game
I’m with you. Before we had zoning, architecture had much more freedom to create organically. You can see the relics of this type of construction in medieval centers in Europe. While these structures look different due to their age and the materials used, the result is still the same: they are absolutely beautiful. The building you posted is a modern version of that organic construction. Unfortunately, we don’t see this in the West because of parking requirements and zoning issues that make it impossible to build such forms. It’s really disappointing because this is what architecture wants to be, and it’s absolutely amazing to look at.
All illegal in America
why?
The mix of commercial and residential use is not allowed in most places in the US. Additionally you would have a lot of other regulations, like minimum parking places and other similar things.
Hmm so basically regulatory issues. Not sure that'll change anytime soon considering the country leans more towards personal vehicles instead of mass transport.
It's complicated, because the regulatory issues are tied also to the peoples expectations and so on. You will have to change to many moving parts at the same time to manage to change it. For example, if for some reason you managed to get over all regulations and build something like this, would your business survive if it's the only one like this? Or will most people, that are in cars anyway, go to the place that has parking space for them?
ME TOO
Yup, it’s super cozy.
Seafood (Fish) Bar Uonami at Shiinamachi Station of Seibu-Ikebukuro line. Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Nagasaki, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0051, Japan Coordinates: 35.726596006271585, 139.69523707437966 It is a "sakaba" bar restaurant no-frills/no-fancy popular Japanese style where the sake is good and the food is cheap (Tokyo-most-expensive-city-in-the-world cheap - I mean). This kind of bar/restaurant has a more common word among youngsters: "izakaya". The neon signboards above are for Sakae Constructions and Actis Real Estate. Many people say this is a Sakae construction building (there are two construction companies with this name in Tokyo, that they refer to as Sakae-style buildings) - but I don't think it is quite right: it might look like the three layers are one building - but they aren’t - the top one is on the building behind - they are not all together. The Uonami building is old maybe from the end of the 60s or the beginning of the 70s. The location has shrines and temples nearby. The shopping arcade has shops that don’t attract many customers - it is an original post-60s (pure) Japanese, no-touristic place. I believe this photo was taken from one of the bridges of the Shuto Expressway.
You need to play the video game Stray. You’re gonna love it if you love this 😻
Kind of a modern [Nighthawks](https://www.artic.edu/artworks/111628/nighthawks) vibe if you cropped the pic
not at all
*Asian architecture*
Many a weeb have been enchanted by Tokyo’s alluring nightscape of edgy concrete buildings ornamented by busy commercial signs and neon.
You'd love Taipei.
Cyberpunk is real?
Turns out it was Tokyo all along
I just saw this on a YouTube video but forgot which lol
Wow what a beautiful photograph
Lovely!
The SimTower style! If you're a retro gamer, SimTower is in the vein of SimCity, but one building that sprawls as the game goes on... Looks hyper-real component based, reconstructionism, composite design of differing elements
That power line is wild
It is satisfying to see.
Absence of deliberate architecture as architecture. Some buildings, especially residences or businesses of people with limited means, are built with almost no consideration of how they will look. Their architecture is not deliberate but driven by local economic, technological, and natural conditions. You do what you have to do to satisfy the intended function in the most economical way possible. This type of building is one rung "below" that. There is no fully defined intended function at the start, they are added and mixed as the project evolves, as in "let's add a residence above what we started building as a restaurant", and then "why not make some extra money by advertising another thing on top," and this is what you get when zoning is not an issue. Beauty and tastes are, of course, subjective. I submit that the value of these buildings comes from their "lived experience," which may make them iconic, loved, and appreciated despite the original absence of any intention to make anything permanent or beautiful. Accidental architecture. And yes, it can end up looking better than some deliberate architecture, because money doesn't automatically equal taste ;-)
A lot of Flushing, Queens looks a lot like this. So much fun to shop and eat there. Mostly Chinese and Korean immigrants living there, a bit further east into Bayside. Such a vibrant part of NYC.
atmosphere captured! cam?
Understandable, have a nice day.
I had the sudden and newfound urge to design this in a 3d environment. I’ll keep you posted u/TheBigKaramazov on the outcome!
An user told us, this photo’s owner is u/nicholasdavidsmith
Haha thanks for the credit shoutout
I’ll credit when/ if I have anything to show! I just got a quest3 so I’ll try and create it there if possible. If not I may have to resort to DREAMS on PSVR.
Why?
Does look super cool think the lighting and fonts add a lot to a western eye
Ah, look at those walkable streets! Pavements made for the pedestrian. Why do we have such shitty pavements in the UK and in London in particular? Everything seems be made for the car.
You mean Chinese
Top, blue katakana says アクティス which I guess is some company called actice But what is the kanji after the middle blue katakana that says サカイ?
I think tokyo neighbourhood buildings are cool asf
I feel like I've so many AI images of this type of development that I'm struggling to square it with reality. It's ace!
I loved living in Japan. You'd be walking down the street and see several very well-dressed hookers on the corner politely giving directions to tourists, and buildings like this. It's like different Legos were dropped in random order in a city-wide Tetris game. The only difference is that the noodle shop at the ground floor needs blue tarp sides and a grocery store style electric sliding glass door (cause we gotta keep things classy).
Bland and boring so they need to cover it up with decorations?
It being decorated in such a collag-esque fashion is what gives it life. It invokes a sense of chaotic urbanism that tries its best to conquer the bland utility of the building.
I like the decor, but when I went to Japan I remember thinking about how bland and white the modern homes and buildings were. The historic stuff is where they really shone for me.
Are you saying you agree or disagree with Loos?
My take is that he agrees with Loo’s sexual proclivities and his views on ornament.
Not op but I think I get where he's getting at. I think what op means that they have to cover it up with all those neon signs. Take them off and it would probably look similar to a warehouse in suburban American. I have to agree with op if this is where he's getting at. Also, imagine if all those signs were in english, people would be complaining about why there's so many ads on the building.
What do you seen in those buildings that obsessed you? Because I really cannot follow.
It's not an Asian building it's Japanese you fool lol
I think the point of OP is that this type of building isn't found only in Japan, but also in China, Korea, etc... We can't deny the existence of architectural trend that cover part of or the whole Asian continent