A limited-time, share-house-style college opens in a quiet residential neighborhood!

Share Designers College Tamaplaza—Residents as Instructors, Residents as Students!?

A "School You Can Live In" Opens for a Limited Three Years

Tamaplaza is known for its quiet residential atmosphere, just about 20 minutes from Shibuya. On February 1st, a share house with the concept of a "school you can live in," named "Share Designers College Tamaplaza," opened its doors for a limited three-year period.

Text by Junko Tanaka (OPENERS)

Its Predecessor Was an "Expatriate House" for Over 20 Years

About a 10-minute walk from Tamaplaza Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, stand two white buildings nestled in a verdant, tranquil residential area. This place was once widely known locally as an "expatriate house," home to many foreign residents. However, in late November last year, most residents returned to their home countries due to the Great East Japan Earthquake, forcing its closure. Although scheduled for demolition in three years, Jiro Aso of Share Design, who manages three share houses in Tokyo and its suburbs, saw potential in the vast 500-tsubo site and buildings capable of housing 60 people, deeming it a "waste to simply tear it down." He decided to embark on a project to revitalize the space.

"The buildings were constructed in 1970, making them wooden apartments over 40 years old. While Japan doesn't have a strong tradition of preserving old structures, aged buildings possess a 'character' that new ones lack. I wanted to leverage that charm while renovating the dilapidated interiors. Afterward, I envisioned a share house where residents could freely shape their own pursuits—a truly DIY, 'Do It Yourself,' space."

Born from this concept, the share house is divided into two types: Building A, furnished with essential furniture, and Building B, featuring rooms in a skeleton state. There are a total of 60 units. Each room is approximately 6.5 tatami mats with an additional 1-tatami mat closet. The common areas include a multipurpose hall equipped with musical instruments and records, a soundproof room, a small but functional kitchen with a pizza oven, and even a small field suitable for growing a few types of vegetables—all designed to facilitate residents' aspirations. Furthermore, both the common areas and individual rooms can be freely renovated.

Incidentally, this share house also embraces the concept of a "school." While elements like the long, straight corridors might evoke a school building, Aso envisions a place of learning driven by the residents themselves—a "school" where anyone can be an instructor or a student, perhaps through workshops organized around their individual expertise.

Perhaps it is precisely because of its short, three-year lifespan that certain things become possible. We look forward to witnessing the evolution of "Share Designers College Tamaplaza," a space that will continuously transform like a living organism through the ideas of its residents.

Share Design
Tel. 03-6447-2201
http://www.share-residence.com/