curved residential development shapes a vibrant 'pocket' in japanese cityscape

Kubomi Apartments in Saitama promote social connectivity

Organic Design Studio introduces an apartment building in Saitama, Japan that embraces the concept of social connectivity and revives the spirit of community gathering. The project of Kubomi Apartments evokes the traditional wells found in Japanese city blocks where people would engage in conversations while working. In a contemporary context where social isolation has become a pressing issue, this building creates a vibrant ‘pocket’ within the city, serving as a gathering place for residents.

Conceived amidst the global pandemic, the project delves into local societal topics envisioning ideal lifestyles for single individuals, exploring the dynamics of communal sharing, and devising ways to foster and support such shared experiences. Attending to tenant interaction and community engagement, the design features an inviting and accessible courtyard.

Dividing the building into two distinct structures with curved walls, the structure forms an inlet from the street, inviting passers-by to approach. The seamless merging of the road with the courtyard’s asphalt blurs the boundaries between public and private space, beckoning individuals to explore the shared space.

Kubomi Apartments by Organic Design Inc. | all images by Yukinori Okamura

flexible shared spaces balance privacy and communal awareness

Given the circumstances of the pandemic, the design team at Organic Design intentionally focuses on creating flexible shared spaces rather than solely addressing the expansion of communal areas within the apartments. Another focal point of the design is the consideration of combatting the sense of isolation. By thoughtfully planning a balance between privacy and communal awareness, the apartments foster an environment where tenants can experience a sense of belonging and mindfulness towards one another. Through these deliberate architectural choices, the project aims to challenge societal uniformity developing a comfortable and contemporary living space.

the curved building forms a gathering place for residents and neighbors

the organic open courtyard can be easily accessed from the street

the project promotes social connectivity and revives the spirit of community gathering

at nighttime, the pocket illuminates through the apartment openings

the curved structure achieves the expansion of communal areas within the apartments

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post boxes and communication board at the entrance

asymmetrical openings light up the apartment

the interior follows a minimal design approach

first floor plan

second floor plan

site plan

project info:

name: Kubomi Apartments – A pocket in the city
design: Organic Design Inc.

design team: Hideo Kumaki, Rei Maki

location: Saitama, Japan

photography: Yukinori Okamura

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom