AC-CA Architectual competition 

Designer / Atelier Shy

City / Tokyo

Country / Japan

Year / 2016

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Big Hand In the world of music, hands play an integral part.  It is them that enable an instrument to produce sound, an orchestra to find its way; they even allow us to show our enthusiasm through applause. The hand is none other than the tool that allows us to express our emotions. In the same way, the music center is the final point in the creative process of music, which allows us to communicate to the public. Formal research around this work is about the materialization of the subtle romantic presence of this "musical hand." The orbicularis shape of the handprint develops vertically along a centripetal spiral so to model the successive layers of the auditorium. Following this geometric principle, the interior layout of the concert hall sees broad horizontal grooves taking shape, like a silky hand that permeates the delicate shell of the auditorium leaving light finger marks and gives the space a soft and serene atmosphere, while optimizing the sound intensity of the hall.      A graceful ceiling covers the concert hall, like the palm of a soothing hand that gently holds the public, the musicians and the melodies together. While the main handprint-shaped hall extends outwards, staggered annular spaces are organized all around, forming the epicenter of the master plan of the building. This architectural idea behind this not only meets the functional needs of the music center, but also intends to promote exchanges between professionals and their audiences, including the juxtaposition of the interstitial spaces such as hallways, cafe, gallery, etc. The semi-open space at the entrance of the building is to extend the traditional scenery of the park located at the rear of the plot. A covered walkway that starts within this space will lead the public straight to a walk within traditional plant species.  Coupled with the concrete panels and glass blocks that will also be present here, this will give a decidedly contemporary feel.   Like a wave that peacefully rises and falls, we see music as discipline that is completely open, and free to be heard by anyone who wishes to listen. Physical borders should not mark the limit of this art.   So, in order to release all its potential and enable it to spread, we have added “soundscape kiosks” into the urban space. These are in the form of music libraries, information points allowing people to listen to samples of concerts for free, interactive exhibitions where you can try out different instruments, etc. In scattering these kiosks around Shibuya, the idea is to soak up the culture of the area and to a catalyst in the creation of a sustainable urban life.