Hidden in plain sight - “A study in the concept and term of Pet architecture in the densely populated city of Tokyo, and how it can help the younger generation”

Tiny housing or Pet architecture in Tokyo, Japan is a building typology that is made on leftover landscape in densely urban areas.” Small spaces on nearly- impossible or non-workable sites but have the most lived- in and habited space regardless of the size and shape of the building itself. How the designers and inhabitants have to be creative in terms of space and functionality as in basic necessities in housing. A truly lively space that is willingly affected by site and space, rather than to control it. A building that is customized by its user and altered to how the people creates their own spaces. An interesting space that is created by occupancy, demand and the given site that the building sits on.

The theme of the artefact is to be “Hidden in plain sight,” which the buildings under the term `pet architecture` often is. They try to hide themselves next to or in between other surrounding typologies, almost latching themselves onto the surrounding buildings like a parasitic entity, or in this case a hero in disguise, trying to hide themselves. But, will only be revealed as the light in the dark.

Taken inspiration from traditional cityscape models, to show relevance of communication through the city itself, and the concept of the design and illustrations from the published book in praise of shadows by Tanizaki Junichirõ and manga artist Junji Ito.

- Made in Tokyo: A guide book, by Kuroda , J; Kaijima , M (Kuroda & Kaijima , 2001)