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Architects: Furuichi and Associates
- Year: 2002
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Photographs:Hiroshi Ito
Text description provided by the architects. This architecture possesses two functions: a confectionary shop and a concert hall. Both exterior and interior can change their atmosphere according to the two different functions as well as acoustics. In other words, this architecture has a “double face”. Also the client wanted use wood for the interior design to enhance the image of the shop, since Hokkaido is a leading forestry area.
A major concern is the acoustic effectiveness. Wood is excellent as a sound reflecting board. Therefore, sound reflectors were designed using the local timber. When it is used as a concert hall, the reverberation time becomes long. On the other hand, when used as a confectionary shop, the reverberation time has to be shortened. In this project, unique ideas such as movable tapestries on the walls and reflective flaps hanging from the ceiling overcome this concern. Within only three hours, furniture must be re-arranged when this architecture changes its face from one function to the other.