Extended Streets

Extended street in Jingumae

I'd like to use the 'extended street' to denominate a phenomenon of connecting various indoor spaces directly to the street resulting in an extension which, although privately owned, is perceived as part of the public. This phenomenon appears on several scales with differing implementations throughout the city of Tokyo with concentrations around the popular and crowded areas of Shinjuku East, Shibuya, Shimokitasawa and Daikanyama. In some cases these extensions gather up next to each other in a way reminding of a tree-dimensional landscape, dominating over the original street.

Interestingly, the representations of this space idea seems to have emerged as creative responses to regulations for fire and building area in combination with building- and site preconditions such as shortage of space. There are also examples in ancient japanese architecture bearing resemblance with this pattern of movement. In a study on the occurring typologies I would like to investigate how these spaces can give a new view of the city and planning. Also, In the case of shimokitasawa these spaces are a dominating element of the citys existing atmosphere which is currently threatened by the provocative route 51 project. If you have any comments or ideas for related information please feel welcome to contact me!

Here are some more examples of the 'extended street'

The 'step house' has the street directly attached onto its facade (Shimokitazawa)

On the 'vending street' all destinations are availiable by the press of a button. (East Shinjuku)

A typical street extension used for display of content and to convey messages as well as providing access to the various shops contained by the building (Shimokitazawa)

A traditional japanese graveyard setting with a landscape of choices for moving (West Yokohama)