A unique shelter, ballasted by a water tank, stands in Nara, Japan, serving as a refuge for those tending nearby rice fields and allotments. Designed by the London-based Studio Armitage, this innovative “Field Shelter” is a response to the lack of rest areas for locals working the land in the Amagatsuji neighborhood.
The concept developed during Studio Armitage’s involvement with the Space Department, a neighboring creative hub. Their observation of the fields’ dual role as community spaces inspired a design integrating harmoniously with existing utilitarian structures crafted from readily available materials. This pavilion is reimagined to blend functionality with the community spirit.
Design and Inspiration
Studio founder Freddie Armitage noted, “While walking and cycling through the area, I became captivated by the small sheds and structures scattered across the fields. There was nowhere to comfortably pause. This led to conceiving a shelter that would cater to both protection from sudden rain and the harsh summer sun, while enhancing the allotments’ social interplay.”
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The shelter is positioned at a natural meeting point within the fields. Armitage proposed a compact communal structure to the landowner, envisioning a meetup point for locals. The pavilion thus becomes a nucleus for community interactions.
Constructed from standard timber and battens, the shelter stands on temporary concrete blocks to avoid wet ground. The corrugated polycarbonate roof shades two benches, separated by a central water container, forming an architectural element.
Functional Design
The shelter, entirely demountable, has no fixed orientation or defined interior and exterior, allowing seamless integration with its environment. This minimalistic approach reflects elements of local temples and raised platforms found in nearby storehouses.
Armitage highlighted, “The shelter consists primarily of a raised floor, roof, and benches, striking a balance between protection and openness without isolating it from the fields.” Local, readily available materials enable an easy assembly requiring no specialized tools.
Benches are oriented to capture both morning and evening sunlight. This flexible design supports individual reflection or group gatherings, adapting to the users’ needs. The water tank serves as a community water source, easing the burden of water transport within the structure.
Community Impact
End grain of the timber sections are painted blue for weather resistance and visual clarity. Studio Armitage aims for the shelter to remain useful to the community, leaving open possibilities for relocation or repurposing it.
Armitage mused, “Whether in Nara or elsewhere, this shelter fulfills a common need for dry seating, shade, and connectivity.” This flexibility underscores its potential to adapt to varied settings.
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This project complements designs like London’s whimsical dog-shaped shelter by Assemble and The KinShip EcoLab in Ireland with rammed-earth walls. Photography credits to Studio Armitage.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Field Shelter in Nara?
The Field Shelter in Nara was designed by the London-based Studio Armitage.
What inspired the design of the shelter in Nara?
The design was inspired by the lack of rest areas for locals working the land in the Amagatsuji neighborhood and the fields’ role as community spaces.
What materials are used in the Nara pavilion?
The pavilion is constructed from standard timber and battens, and it has a corrugated polycarbonate roof.