Giant Blue-Green Semicircular Table Redefines Kyoto Apartment
Tato Architects' design reshapes daily living spaces.
1Innovative Living Space Design
In a municipal housing complex in Kyoto, a 3.6-meter-diameter semicircular table designed by Tato Architects became the central element of the living space. This design was developed as part of a renovation project involving eight universities.
2Compact and Functional Solutions
In the existing one-room apartment, domestic functions were consolidated into compact plywood volumes. The large blue-green table extends across the living area, providing a shared surface for meals, work, conversation, and rest.
3Open and Flexible Interior
The original apartment had a fragmented layout defined by multiple walls. After removing non-structural partitions, a more open space was created, feeling large relative to the needs of a single occupant.
4Student-Involved Design Process
Four master's and four undergraduate students from Yo Shimada Laboratory presented eight schemes at a joint interim review involving participating universities. Following discussions, one proposal was selected for construction.
5A Table at the Heart of Daily Life
The 3,600 mm-diameter semicircular table redefines the living space by exceeding conventional furniture dimensions. The table's scale encourages activities to move from smaller functional areas into the living space.
6Flexible and Multi-Purpose Use
Rather than assigning a specific function, the table is designed as a large shared surface that supports different aspects of daily life. This design keeps the boundaries between dining, working, conversation, and rest flexible.