Kai Lippert
An embassy is a mediator between states, politics and cultural life. Therefore it is always a "built discussion" of a society with itself.
A society is formed by individuals who more or less take part in it. The Japanese society is based on loyalty with the community and on acting in a commonly agreed way. Individuals of western states and cultures often compete with each other. Developing your own individuality means improving the quality of life. A remarkable aspect of our society is, that on the one hand we wish to protect our own privacy but on the other hand also to allow a view inside our private life.
The building is supposed to integrate single units into a complete work, just as society does with individuals. Balance between intimacy and pricing, respect for individuals as well as the support of common behaviour have to be conveyed by the building. In order to show the mediating function of its purpose, the building has to connect a self-confident appearance with respect for already existing circumstances.
This is also true for the residence of the ambassador. The main part of the access-system leads towards the residence and stresses the institution of the ambassador. Differentiating the access to the different areas guarantees an adequate distance between residence and embassy.
The concept contains two building complexes which are connected by a common access-platform and the same materials (walnut woods and glass). They respond to the different claims of use, the property's strong topography and the private, park-like embassy garden.
The event hall is situated in an unguarded location and can be added on to the security district. In here the active cultural exchange between Germany and Japan takes place.
The chambers, containing the administrative functions, are moved back and slide in the slope. The building can be experienced undisturbed without being tangible. Public and private areas are divided by the position of the body.
The movement inside the building follows the course of the terrain. Private and public areas allow working without disturbance as well as exchange between different units. This is also reflected by the façade, which allows insights and retreat at the same time. The grid shown in the façade allows the prefabrication of every single element but also demands a very high standard of precision and logistics. Therefore it can be seen as a symbol for the amount of various possibilities of interrelation and communication between countries which should end up in a cultural exchange.
SCHUNCK cannot guarantee the correctness of content and expression. The participants themselves are responsible for their entries. The copyright of the projects underlies to the authors, any reproduction or use of the shown material is strictly forbidden.