The KAIT Plaza, designed by Junya Ishigami + Associates, is a masterful blend of architecture and engineering. Located at the Kanagawa Institute of Technology, this innovative space challenges conventional notions of shelter, structure, and program. The plaza’s design focuses on creating a sense of openness and experiential beauty, drawing attention to the horizon where land and sky converge.
The plaza’s core concept is to create a space that encourages spontaneous social interaction and contemplation. With a partially submerged design, the plaza features heterogeneous spaces that blur the boundaries between interior and exterior. The dynamic interaction of two vast horizontal planes creates a curated experiential space that invites students to explore and relax.
The floating iron plate ceiling, conceived as the sky without internal support, forms the structure. This design creates a spatial void that is less than a traditional building and more of a physical experience over time. The structure’s natural bend under gravity forms a sweeping curve and an inverted chamber, creating a sense of boundless space.
The plaza’s design includes a 4,100 square meter area, framed by a 12 mm thick steel roof, with diverse scales creating a spatial experience. The ceiling height remains low, between 2.2 meters and 2.8 meters, augmenting the sense of an artificial horizon. The plaza’s connection to the outside environment is emphasized through 59 rectangular openings that bring in light, rain, and air.
The plaza’s design encourages students to think independently and relax on the floor, crafted from 30 mm water-permeable asphalt. The changing light through the seasons, the play of geometrical light and shadow, and rhythmic water falling directly fill the space with sound, emphasizing the architecture’s dynamic nature.
Image Courtesy: Parametric Architecture
