Aomori Lantern Houses by Forsythe and Macallen

Aomori Lantern Houses by Forsythe and Macallen
The aim of this project is to create a lively, culture oriented space with the intent of revitalizing the city scape.

This project is composed very simply of three principal elements: The house, nature abstracted and an urban fragment.

The architects wish to introduce nature and movement within simple geometries to create complex space.

Their intent is to shelter people from the elements but not remove them from the experience of seasons, light, wind and rustling leaves, rain, snow, the sound of children, the smell of blossoms and sunlight.

All spaces accessible to the community are at ground level.

These spaces enliven the site with people and activity.

Restaurants, shops and other services are accessed by covered arcades.

Within the arcade one is protected from the elements but still aware of them by sight, smell and sound.

Within the garden, like a cave protected by a low sloping hill, is a large space for community events.

The houses are drifting spaces of varying size held crystalized within three simple pure geometric forms.

The complexity and diversity is filtered by a shifting veil of translucent and adjustable glass louvers which transmit tranquil light into the private domestic environment.

They also serve to control the elements, view and privacy, and they serve as an