'522' is not only a collaboration between two practices Ron Arad Architects & Issho Architects, it is a bridge between east and west, a bridge of disciplines, putting art into the set of very tight building law restrictions, morphing comfort of living and light penetration with pure design.
Both facade and building were designed and modified hand in hand, a few times to comply and give the best impression in the narrow street and define exterior spaces whilst providing temperature control to the building.
After a meticulous screening, over 30 practices were interviewed in Japan for the collaboration and many aspects were considered - skills, design tools, flexibility and mind set.
The weight of the facade and the fact it leans mostly on the ground and not on the building made it be considered an urban statue which then had to comply to different municipal restrictions sparking further modifications.
The result we believe is a master collaboration that marks a new hight for both practices.