K

KY OTO
During our analysis of Kyoto, we have focuses on the links
and boundaries created by the different types of water in
the city. Our site is the central Biwa lake canal basin. What
struck us is the lack of connections between the water
and its surroundings: the people can’t walk around the
bassin, the buildings ignore their geographical context, the
program with the island’s privileged position is private and
not optimised.
As a matter of facts, our project’s aim is to enhance the
qualities of the basin.
First, we create a dynamic public space : the 6-metre-
wide walk welcomes programs, paths and resting areas.
This outdoor space is continued inside the transparent
building, at the ground floor level. A café, an exhibition
room and a nautical centre are part of the inhabitant’s
experience. In that same building, a nursery that is totally
connected to the water replaces the old one.
The second building, on the edge of the island, is a library.
This program is complimentary with the educational ame-
nities present around the site. It stands like a peaceful
transaction between land (the public garden behind it) and
water. The water treatment offices that used to occupy the
island have been moved to the restored sport complex :
the radical structure and wide openings have lead us to
keep that obsolete building.
Finally, accommodation is created above the public floor
on the bay. The flats follow the 3 metre grid and work as
imbricated splitlevel units. Lights wel help illuminate the 12
metre-wide building and create individual gardens. A large
roof terrace is also accessible from each flat.
D. LECLERC 2017

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fragment
kyoto