Shinjuku Gardens by Cheungvogl

Available land is scarce in Tokyo, as well as green areas. The proposal, in the most prosperous of the city, is a conscious effort to maximize available space and do a search for more sustainable city infrastructure. Design strategies aim to maximize investment by doubling the number of cars parked and while injecting a new Greenscape to reduce CO2 emissions and promote the arts and culture by offering exhibition space.

Shinjuku Gardens proposes to replace an existing parking area with a 2-story structure harboring a green wall. Taking into account the economic value of the land, parking and making more efficient grid layout. The structure occupies a total area of 54 x 33 m and pedestrian ramps are arranged to provide public access to the garden on the roof.

Visually, the architecture enhances the densely built environment through these translucent green curtains hiding the view of parked cars. Functionally, the coating uses vegetation to absorb the exhaust emissions of CO2, acting as filters for air between buildings. The roof garden serves as a new “green oasis.” This social space of the structure is freely accessible to the public at any time. It uses a storage system to reduce storm water drainage and prevent leaks.

The two levels are provided as galleries, use the structure as white fabric may be a new opportunity to bring the arts to everyday life. The project is moving between architecture and art to turn a typically gray area for parking in a city museum and open green.