House H is a private residence and not open to the public.
Visitors cannot enter the property or its grounds but can view its unique architecture from the surrounding public streets.
Accessibility
The streets near House H are safe and easily navigable, even for individuals with mobility challenges.
Green-marked side lanes provide additional space for pedestrians and cyclists, making it easy to explore the area comfortably.
Best visit time
Visiting in the morning or late afternoon offers soft, natural lighting that highlights the minimalist design of House H, making it ideal for photography.
Dry weather is recommended to fully appreciate the architectural details, as rain may obstruct views and create less comfortable walking conditions.
DirectionsKamimachi Station
Tōkyū Setagaya Line
9-minute walk (600m)
Sakura-shimmachi Station
Tōkyū Den-en-toshi Line
13-minute walk (1km)
Bike rental
Renting a bike is an excellent way to save time and explore the surrounding residential area at your own pace. Tokyo offers numerous bike rental options.
Parking
Parking is extremely limited in this residential area, with nearby lots offering only a few spaces.
Given the limited parking spaces in this residential area, public transportation is the most convenient option.
Introduction
Minimalism has become more than a fanciful idea or trend. Instead, it’s now a way of life for many people around the world. Sou Fujimoto1 captures the essence of minimalism through his House H. Through it, the audience gets a chance to see how space is now highly-priced due to its deficiency.
You learn a lot by glancing at House H. For starters, it offers you a clear demonstration of what to do to balance space and light. The more you look at it, the more you see how the Japanese2 approach the issue of minimalism through color and space.
2 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan3 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan4 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan5 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan6 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan
What is the House H?
House H is Sou Fujimoto’s way of showing the world some part of Japanese culture. Here, the focus is on how they live in tight spaces. After all, Japan is highly notorious for its lack of space. Around the country, it is normal for people to live in tight-spaced residential houses.
Through this work, Fujimoto helps us to appreciate Japanese architecture. For this reason, it’s safe to conclude that the piece is ideal for anyone who seeks a better understanding of the country’s dominant architectural designs.
7 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan8 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan9 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan10 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan11 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan12 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan13 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan
Japanese Minimalism
Japanese minimalism is affectionately known as Ma34 or Amor Vacui around the country. For the most part, it’s evident in the use of color and spaces. More importantly, the locals associate it with the love and appreciation for emptiness. Consequently, House H appears empty and devoid of much information.
To the untrained eye, it doesn’t look special in any way, shape, or form. However, that’s precisely what makes this Fujimoto creation outstanding. After all, great artwork is often quite simple and unassuming. House H delivers that and more.
14 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan15 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan16 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan17 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan18 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan19 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan
Space vs. Things
Under Japanese minimalism, there is more understanding of the role that space rather than things play in residential areas. When it comes to personal spaces, the Japanese seem to place more currency on space. They are not too excited about things. That’s precisely why House H is unique.
The fact that Fujimoto created this piece seems to offer further proof of the growing popularity of minimalism. That’s because Zen Buddhism5 continues to influence the Japanese while instilling in them the desire for simplicity.
20 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan21 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan22 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan23 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan24 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan25 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan
Conclusion
In all these, the individuality and holistic ability to exist side-by-side with each other drives the Japanese culture. They are individuals who appreciate the need to share whatever resources they have with each other. The locals are individualistic yet communal in their approach to the different problems that affect their society.
A minimalist approach is a perfect solution to the issue of lack of adequate space to reside in. For this reason, Sou Fujimoto’s House H is a true reflection of what is happening in the country today.
26 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan27 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan28 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan29 Sou Fujimoto – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan
Plans
30 Elevation of Sou Fujimoto’s – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan31 Sections of Sou Fujimoto’s – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan32 Plans of Sou Fujimoto’s – House H, 2008, Tokyo, Japan
All images: Iwan Baan/iwan.com for Sou Fujimoto unless otherwise noted.
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