The theme of residential leasing and management company Daito Trust Construction and architect Sou Fujimoto is “redefining the rental house”. Rental housing had always been configured so that space for exclusive occupancy is maximized while common areas are confined to passageways. But what if private spaces are minimized to provide spacious shared spaces, such as kitchens, baths, theater rooms and gardens? One can have a luxurious kitchen to enjoy cooking skills, a spacious bathtub in which to stretch your body, and an extensive library to read books for diversion. Unlike house sharing, where the living room and other spaces outside of one's own room are shared with others, the private and shared areas here are clearly divided, and then recombined anew to provide a glimpse of a comfortable and relaxing rental housing. If elderly people with time on their hands or people with gardening skills manage the shared gardens, then everyone can enjoy them too. The dull corridors are transformed into vibrant composite spaces.
