With our city now so laughably unaffordable, thousands of Vancouverites are stuck imagining wonderful homes instead of living in them. “Spaced” is a record of our minds wandering the world of architecture and design, up and away from the unrewarding realities of shoebox condos, dark basement suites, and sweet fuck all on Craigslist.
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(via) This multi-level, hillside house in Kobe, Japan was designed by architect Tomohiro Hata so that it took advantage of its topographical situation. The metal-clad structure is shaped like a wedge so that it integrates more seamlessly into the property’s three terraced, open plan levels. The noticeable absence of railings on stairs and drop-offs is planned: “the client follows a belief that if every possibility of danger is eliminated from your surroundings, this eventually sets people back on knowing how to overcome the smallest risk.” Dig all the skylights and naked wood, as well as the stark metal frontage and the enclosed outdoor deck. We’ll take ours overlooking Deep Cove. All photos by Tomohiro Hata.
Those steps are treacherous, railings or no, which is why they’re outlawed here in Canada. But to have them in their home *without* railings – that’s tantamount to child (and adult) endangerment, imho.
It was a philosophical decision of the designer’s, as detailed in the story. Agreed, though. Looks sketchy.