Klein Dytham architecture: to Tokyo and Beyond

Klein Dytham architecture: To Tokyo and Beyond celebrates the Tokyo-based studio famous for its playful yet thoughtful approach to design. This comprehensive monograph explores 77 projects from KDa's impressive body of award-winning, multidisciplinary work from across Japan, Thailand, Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Blending humour, experimentation, and respect for tradition, these projects range from early works, such as Daikanyama T-SITE in Tokyo and Open House in Bangkok, to more recent works, including the Fender flagship store in Tokyo and a Japanese cypress façade for the Cartier boutique in Osaka. Also highlighted are the studio's contributions to global cultural phenomena like PechaKucha Night, and how KDa's innovative ideas intertwine with the cultural, social, and architectural fabric of Japan. Thought-provoking narratives explore KDa's creative process and philosophy, while stunning full-colour photography captures the bold and vibrant aesthetics emblematic of KDa's style. From camouflaging forty-story towers in an alpine resort to transforming a commercial building with intricate, openwork cladding, KDa's designs have a sense of whimsy that brings joy and curiosity to architecture enthusiasts and observers alike. AUTHOR: Klein Dytham architecture (KDa) is a Tokyo-based design studio founded by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, along with Yukinari Hisayama. Since its establishment in 1991, KDa has been celebrated for its bold, imaginative, and community-focused approach to architecture and design. The firm pushes the boundaries of creativity, producing a diverse portfolio that spans architecture, interiors, installations, and public spaces. KDa's work is characterised by a playful sensibility, innovative use of materials, and a deep respect for the cultural and contextual nuances of each project. With a reputation for breaking conventions, Klein Dytham architecture remains at the forefront of contemporary design, redefining the role of architecture in modern society. SELLING POINTS: . This book reflects KDa's playful, experimental approach to design with vivid photography, behind-the-scenes stories, and thought-provoking narratives, and offers readers a glimpse into the creative process and philosophy that drive its projects . By exploring its projects and design philosophy, KDa hopes to illuminate the unique perspective of international architects immersed in Japanese culture . This book is an inspiring testament to KDa's commitment to crafting spaces that resonate with people and place. It is a must-have for design enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike . KDa's designs bring a fresh and lively expression to streets dominated by buildings with glass and metal facades . Japanese architect Toyo Ito pens the Foreword, while Amy Frearson provides the Introduction

Table of Contents:
6 Thoughtful Design Inspires Fun and Joy Toyo Ito 8 KDa’s Language of Architecture Amy Frearson 14 GINZA PLACE Tokyo, Japan 20 Jotoshiki 22 CARTIER Osaka, Japan 30 DAIKANYAMA T-SITE Tokyo, Japan 44 SHONA T-SITE Kanagawa, Japan 48 KASHIWANOHA T-SITE Chiba, Japan 52 NAKAMEGURO TSUTAYA BOOKS Tokyo, Japan 56 KARUIZAWA COMMONGROUNDS BOOKSTORE Nagano, Japan 66 UMEDA TSUTAYA BOOKS Osaka, Japan 70 TOGGLE HOTEL SUIDOBASHI Tokyo, Japan 76 THE TOMAMU TOWERS Hokkaido, Japan 80 Q PLAZA HARAJUKU Tokyo, Japan 82 UNIQLO GINZA Tokyo, Japan 84 ATAMI STATION BUILDING Shizuoka, Japan 86 BMW GROUP TOKYO BAY Tokyo, Japan 88 SUPER MODEL Tokyo, Japan 90 Kit Kat 92 OLIVE LOUNGE SHIBUYA Tokyo, Japan 98 OPEN HOUSE, CENTRAL EMBASSY Bangkok, Thailand 110 FENDER FLAGSHIP TOKYO Tokyo, Japan 124 THINK SPACE B2S Tokyo, Japan 128 MOZO WONDER CITY Nagoya, Japan 130 SELFRIDGES London, England 134 SONY STORE LOS ANGELES Los Angeles, USA 138 SHISEIDO THE GINZA Tokyo, Japan 144 ARTEK MEETS DOVER STREET MARKET Tokyo, Japan 146 BEACON COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Tokyo, Japan 150 GOOGLE JAPAN Tokyo, Japan 156 YOUTUBE SPACE TOKYO Tokyo, Japan 158 BARTLE BOGLE HEGARTY Tokyo, Japan 160 POINT 0 MARUNOUCHI Tokyo, Japan 164 TBWA\HAKUHODO Tokyo, Japan 168 VIRGIN ATLANTIC: THE CLUBHOUSE Narita, Japan 170 POKOPOKO, RISONARE NASU Nasu, Japan 178 LEAF CHAPEL, RISONARE YATSUGATAKE Hokuto, Japan 184 Japanese Construction 186 BRILLARE, RISONARE YATSUGATAKE Hokuto, Japan 190 MOKU MOKU YU, RISONARE YATSUGATAKE Hokuto, Japan 194 PICCHIO VISITORS CENTRE Nagano, Japan 202 SORA NO BEACH, RISONARE ATAMI Shizuoka, Japan 206 HANABI RESTAURANT, RISONARE ATAMI Shizuoka, Japan 210 BERGMANN RESIDENCE Hakone, Japan 218 K HOUSE Tokyo, Japan 222 RIE HOUSE Karuizawa, Japan 226 SASAO HOUSE Tokyo, Japan 230 SIN DEN Tokyo, Japan 232 VROOOM! Aichi, Japan 234 WILSON HOUSE Chiba, Japan 236 HEIDI HOUSE Tokyo, Japan 240 NAGOYA FLATS Tokyo, Japan 242 M HOUSE Shimoda, Japan 244 G-BUILDING Tokyo, Japan 248 HOME-FOR-ALL FOR CHILDREN Soma, Japan 252 Jichin-sai 254 KOBAN Kumamoto, Japan 258 BILLBOARD BUILDING Tokyo, Japan 262 IDÉE WORKSTATION Tokyo, Japan 266 R3 UKISHIMA / AI CAFÉ 54 Naha, Japan 268 UNDERCOVER LAB Tokyo, Japan 272 VERTU Tokyo, Japan 274 KEF MUSIC GALLERY Tokyo, Japan 276 Precision Parking 278 GUMI BATH Milan, Italy 280 DORADORA 282 KUNE KUNE BENCH Nagaoka, Japan 284 LAFORET HARAJUKU RIN RIN Tokyo, Japan 286 GREEN GREEN SCREEN Tokyo, Japan 288 PIKA PIKA PRETZEL Tokyo, Japan 290 UK98 PAVILION Japan 294 GALLERY MA Tokyo, Japan 296 GALLERY TOTO Tokyo, Japan 300 BLOOMBERG ICE Tokyo, Japan 302 New Year Cards 304 DELUXE Tokyo, Japan 308 SUPERDELUXE Tokyo, Japan 312 SUPERNATURALDELUXE Chiba, Japan 316 PECHAKUCHA 330 About KDa 332 Principals 334 Awards 335 Acknowledgments 335 Photography Credits

About the Author :
Klein Dytham architecture (KDa) is a Tokyo-based design studio founded by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, along with Yukinari Hisayama. Since its establishment in 1991, KDa has been celebrated for its bold, imaginative, and community-focused approach to architecture and design. The firm pushes the boundaries of creativity, producing a diverse portfolio that spans architecture, interiors, installations, and public spaces. KDa’s work is characterised by a playful sensibility, innovative use of materials, and a deep respect for the cultural and contextual nuances of each project. With a reputation for breaking conventions, Klein Dytham architecture remains at the forefront of contemporary design, redefining the role of architecture in modern society.