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Arimasuton: Tokyo's Hand-Built Anomaly Built to Last
14 Oct
Summary
- A unique four-story concrete building has been hand-built over 21 years.
- The structure is designed to endure for over a century, rejecting disposable architecture.
- It recently passed final municipal safety certification after a lengthy construction.
Arimasuton, a singular structure in Tokyo's Mita district, has completed its 21-year construction journey. Architect Keisuke Oka has painstakingly built the four-story concrete edifice by hand, creating a unique design characterized by its raw concrete, asymmetrical features, and intentional voids.
This building represents a deliberate departure from Japan's typical short-lived architecture, with Arimasuton engineered to last over a century. Its completion was marked by passing the final municipal safety certification earlier this year.
Oka, inspired by individuals who dedicated their lives to monumental personal projects, envisioned Arimasuton as Tokyo's equivalent. The interior showcases a blend of raw materials and artistic motifs, featuring exposed concrete, metal accents, and unique wall patterns.
The ground floor is designated for retail, while the upper three floors contain living spaces, including a bedroom and a kitchen. The building's design intentionally embraces an unfinished aesthetic, with open spaces and visually striking staircases, standing in sharp contrast to its modern surroundings.
