The Kikuchi Pocket Park | Takao Shiotsuka
One of the most entertaining things is reading descriptions of projects and then looking at project images. You read exciting phrases such as; “a new type of square where the public is encouraged to experience the city in a totally different way” and “People experience a new activity they never got in the previous town.” But then when we look at the images we see no trace of people or their presence and interaction with the design. Nonetheless, this project, comprised of three different park spaces, is meant to engage people and provide them with new spaces to enjoy and gather in. In site A, people walk around three basins, while in site B, they walk along pipe lines. Site C is centered around a tree-like object.
Courtesy of Takao Shiotsuka
Site A–Kiriake
It is a water park using agricultural water way. The motif of three basins is scenery of the puddles where water collected naturally in the ground which became hollow. Pavement where white stone is spread. Public lavatory, bench, and shelter suggest stone and rock. These are like the relation between white sand and the stone of a Japanese rock garden. It is appearance of primitive scenery.
Courtesy of Takao Shiotsuka
Site B –Yokomachi
This site is a corner plot of the intersection. The theme of this park is a flow and an exchange of the person. ‘Bank’ that bends the pipe and piles it up forms a foot bath, a public lavatory, and the bench, etc. These become a person’s movement and guide of the activity. And, It pictures the design such as the whirlpool in the whole site.
Courtesy of Takao Shiotsuka
Site C–Kamimachi
(Pending state)
This park is in the history preservation district. The site is a front yard in the Shinto shrine. The equipment needed here is a plaza for the dedication ceremony (sumo wrestling), and, ablution hand-washing and foot bath. Additionally, the object that shows the stele of the place is set up. It will look also like ‘Sacred tree’ that is within the enclosure of the Shinto shrine. As a result, harmony with the spectacle in the district is invented and the characteristic of this place is clarified.
Text by Takao Shiotsuka Atelier
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.