Two Projects of the Architect Shin'ichi Okada (Japan)

Abstract

Niigata school of odontology. The five buildings that currently make up the school, although handled in the same way with the same materials, have different shapes and heights, depending on the function; nevertheless, they form a harmonious whole. They are arranged in the shape of an L at one end of which the hospital was located with its various clinical sections and rooms for classes and lectures. Directly joined to the hospital is the main building in which the administrative area, offices, library and reading rooms are distributed. The other three buildings, for practical and theoretical classes, have been linked together by means of outside hall and corridors. The complex is completed with sports facilities and gardened areas which help to create an environment pleasing to the students. Gymnasium of the odontological university of Chiyoda (Tokyo). The premise that guided the project was that the large architectural mass needed would not clash with the smaller surrounding buildings. To this end glass walls were used which reflect the images of its surroundings. The gymnasium, with a rectangular base, has two large blocks of reinforced concrete at its ends which serve as the structural support and service nuclei. The total volume is divided into three well-differentiated spaces: the base, open, which is used as a parking lot; the main gymnasium; and the training hall. Between the latter two, the dressing rooms have been located. The technical stations were situated in the basement.