It seems unbelievable, but this building is actually a public toilet!
The architecture it has proven to be much more than the design of a building. It constitutes a cultural expression that has been capable of tell stories from the past, relive places in the present and bring together all the innovation of the future . His artistic power exceeds the limits to such an extent that even a public toilet can become a monument.
Proof of it is the work of Japanese architect Tadao Ando which landed in Tokyo on September 7. The scenario chosen to locate this crazy project has been one of the most youthful and lively neighborhoods in the city, Shibuya . Thus, among the idyllic cherry trees of the Jingu-Dori park, hides Amayadori, a public toilet that distances itself from everything that we have known as such.
THE TOILET OF THE FUTURE
The contemporary design that embodies the structure quickly pigeonholes it into a torrent of futurism which fits perfectly with the spirit of Tokyo. Tadao Ando wanted the public toilet to maintain its identity but in an aesthetic way, shedding negative connotations and forming part of the urban landscape.
As a porch, an avant-garde design protects Tadao Ando's public bath.
The building is made up of a circular roof that protrudes as a porch and a cylindrical wall with vertical openings that allow the entry of light and wind . It is this armor that discreetly guards the main function of the place inside, with the intention of contributing safety, comfort and, of course, beauty.
hence the name Amayadori, which means shelter from the rain . The nickname and location in the middle of the vegetation end up creating a panorama that reflects the contrast between the bucolic and the avant-garde . An unexpected landscape is generated, especially if the purpose of the place is taken into account.
THE TOKYO TOILET
What is truly surprising about Amayadori is that this is not an isolated case. The structure is part of a project released by The Nippon Foundation, dubbed The Tokyo Toilet . This initiative has proposed that Shibuya's public toilets stop being dirty and dark to become places worth visiting.
Shigeru Ban's bathroom turns opaque when someone is inside.
So far there are seven locations that have already transformed their toilets, but they will be a total of 17 , which will be completed in the spring of next year. Most, for now, are in parks like Ebisu Park, Yoyogi Fukamachi or Haru-no-Ogawa , among others. Developed by important creators such as Nao Tamura or Shigeru Ban, each of them is a waste of imagination and creativity.
The purpose, however, goes far beyond labeling as beautiful what has usually seemed unsightly to us. The Tokyo Toilet aims to create public restrooms that advocate for inclusivity and diversity . That is why one of the main requirements of these creations is that can be used by everyone, regardless of gender, age or disability.
When we thought they couldn't go any further, architecture and design suddenly burst in spaces to which we have rarely attributed good adjectives. We never thought we'd say this, but maybe we have to add these public toilets to our route through Tokyo.
Visit public toilets in a city? Now yes!