Starter Dwelling

Project idea

Temporary housing for the revitalization of the shopping street, combining challenge shops and shared housing for entrepreneurs to reinvigorate a declining commercial area with an aging population.

Project description

The project proposes a complex consisting of challenge shops and shared housing for entrepreneurs in the Enku Shopping Street area, which faces a rapidly aging population making it difficult to sustain vitality. People can open shops with lowered financial risk and live within the same building during the start-up period. After operating their businesses for one to three years, residents are expected to move out and establish permanent shops in the surrounding area, while new participants move in and continue the cycle. The housing is designed as a shared house with communal dining and bathing facilities, encouraging close relationships among residents. A short-term trial shop space allows visitors to experience running a shop for a few days, further lowering barriers to entrepreneurship. The project creates opportunities for interaction between shop operators, local residents, workers, and visitors, helping to strengthen the social network that supports the future of Enku.

Technical information

Scale 1:500. The building features an exposed steel structure with timber roof elements, multi-level interior spaces connected by prominent staircases, and integrated retail/workshop spaces at ground level with residential units above. The design includes shared living communal areas and individual shop units organized around a central atrium space.

Documentation

Show PDF 1