Makoto Takashina Architect- How do we increase the value of projects for our clients?
- How do we incorporate green (sustainable /ecological) principles in design?
- Design Review: Why do some people have problems in the design review process?
- RESEARCH
- TESTIMONIALS
- PUBLICATIONS / EXHIBITS / LETTERS
- Contact us
- FTP Site: File Download/Upload
- Web Mail (requires user name and password)
A R T I C L E S
New Home for a Retired Couple
Front Facade
New Home for a Retired Couple This new house was designed for a retired couple on a hillside in Marin County with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. The husband was disabled and on his wheelchair. To make the house livable, it is designed as a single story house, surrounded with gardens, all of which are accessible for his and other family members' enjoyment. The inside is designed as much as accessible. The main common area that includes the entrance, hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen is designed as a large flowing, but in a very subtle way articulated space with an open ceiling. The hallway is wide enough for a wheelchair to rotate. It acts as a gallery and a library also with bookshelves, which are accessible under the window sill. The window sill is low enough that he can enjoy the view of the courtyard where his grandchildren often visit and play. The opposite side of the hall is used to display family pictures and paintings. The accessible bathroom is located near the entry-hallway so that he and other visitors with disabilities can use it.
Entry Courtyard-Seat
New Home for a Retired Couple This new house was designed for a retired couple on a hillside in Marin County with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. The husband was disabled and on his wheelchair. To make the house livable, it is designed as a single story house, surrounded with gardens, all of which are accessible for his and other family members' enjoyment. The inside is designed as much as accessible. The main common area that includes the entrance, hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen is designed as a large flowing, but in a very subtle way articulated space with an open ceiling. The hallway is wide enough for a wheelchair to rotate. It acts as a gallery and a library also with bookshelves, which are accessible under the window sill. The window sill is low enough that he can enjoy the view of the courtyard where his grandchildren often visit and play. The opposite side of the hall is used to display family pictures and paintings. The accessible bathroom is located near the entry-hallway so that he and other visitors with disabilities can use it.
Living Room seen from Dining Room
New Home for a Retired Couple This new house was designed for a retired couple on a hillside in Marin County with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. The husband was disabled and on his wheelchair. To make the house livable, it is designed as a single story house, surrounded with gardens, all of which are accessible for his and other family members' enjoyment. The inside is designed as much as accessible. The main common area that includes the entrance, hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen is designed as a large flowing, but in a very subtle way articulated space with an open ceiling. The hallway is wide enough for a wheelchair to rotate. It acts as a gallery and a library also with bookshelves, which are accessible under the window sill. The window sill is low enough that he can enjoy the view of the courtyard where his grandchildren often visit and play. The opposite side of the hall is used to display family pictures and paintings. The accessible bathroom is located near the entry-hallway so that he and other visitors with disabilities can use it.
Living Room Looking South
New Home for a Retired Couple This new house was designed for a retired couple on a hillside in Marin County with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. The husband was disabled and on his wheelchair. To make the house livable, it is designed as a single story house, surrounded with gardens, all of which are accessible for his and other family members' enjoyment. The inside is designed as much as accessible. The main common area that includes the entrance, hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen is designed as a large flowing, but in a very subtle way articulated space with an open ceiling. The hallway is wide enough for a wheelchair to rotate. It acts as a gallery and a library also with bookshelves, which are accessible under the window sill. The window sill is low enough that he can enjoy the view of the courtyard where his grandchildren often visit and play. The opposite side of the hall is used to display family pictures and paintings. The accessible bathroom is located near the entry-hallway so that he and other visitors with disabilities can use it.
Kitchen
New Home for a Retired Couple This new house was designed for a retired couple on a hillside in Marin County with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. The husband was disabled and on his wheelchair. To make the house livable, it is designed as a single story house, surrounded with gardens, all of which are accessible for his and other family members' enjoyment. The inside is designed as much as accessible. The main common area that includes the entrance, hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen is designed as a large flowing, but in a very subtle way articulated space with an open ceiling. The hallway is wide enough for a wheelchair to rotate. It acts as a gallery and a library also with bookshelves, which are accessible under the window sill. The window sill is low enough that he can enjoy the view of the courtyard where his grandchildren often visit and play. The opposite side of the hall is used to display family pictures and paintings. The accessible bathroom is located near the entry-hallway so that he and other visitors with disabilities can use it.
Kitchen
New Home for a Retired Couple This new house was designed for a retired couple on a hillside in Marin County with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. The husband was disabled and on his wheelchair. To make the house livable, it is designed as a single story house, surrounded with gardens, all of which are accessible for his and other family members' enjoyment. The inside is designed as much as accessible. The main common area that includes the entrance, hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen is designed as a large flowing, but in a very subtle way articulated space with an open ceiling. The hallway is wide enough for a wheelchair to rotate. It acts as a gallery and a library also with bookshelves, which are accessible under the window sill. The window sill is low enough that he can enjoy the view of the courtyard where his grandchildren often visit and play. The opposite side of the hall is used to display family pictures and paintings. The accessible bathroom is located near the entry-hallway so that he and other visitors with disabilities can use it.
Hall-Library/Gallery
New Home for a Retired Couple This new house was designed for a retired couple on a hillside in Marin County with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. The husband was disabled and on his wheelchair. To make the house livable, it is designed as a single story house, surrounded with gardens, all of which are accessible for his and other family members' enjoyment. The inside is designed as much as accessible. The main common area that includes the entrance, hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen is designed as a large flowing, but in a very subtle way articulated space with an open ceiling. The hallway is wide enough for a wheelchair to rotate. It acts as a gallery and a library also with bookshelves, which are accessible under the window sill. The window sill is low enough that he can enjoy the view of the courtyard where his grandchildren often visit and play. The opposite side of the hall is used to display family pictures and paintings. The accessible bathroom is located near the entry-hallway so that he and other visitors with disabilities can use it.
Hall seen from Living Room
New Home for a Retired Couple This new house was designed for a retired couple on a hillside in Marin County with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. The husband was disabled and on his wheelchair. To make the house livable, it is designed as a single story house, surrounded with gardens, all of which are accessible for his and other family members' enjoyment. The inside is designed as much as accessible. The main common area that includes the entrance, hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen is designed as a large flowing, but in a very subtle way articulated space with an open ceiling. The hallway is wide enough for a wheelchair to rotate. It acts as a gallery and a library also with bookshelves, which are accessible under the window sill. The window sill is low enough that he can enjoy the view of the courtyard where his grandchildren often visit and play. The opposite side of the hall is used to display family pictures and paintings. The accessible bathroom is located near the entry-hallway so that he and other visitors with disabilities can use it.
Master Bedroom
New Home for a Retired Couple This new house was designed for a retired couple on a hillside in Marin County with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. The husband was disabled and on his wheelchair. To make the house livable, it is designed as a single story house, surrounded with gardens, all of which are accessible for his and other family members' enjoyment. The inside is designed as much as accessible. The main common area that includes the entrance, hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen is designed as a large flowing, but in a very subtle way articulated space with an open ceiling. The hallway is wide enough for a wheelchair to rotate. It acts as a gallery and a library also with bookshelves, which are accessible under the window sill. The window sill is low enough that he can enjoy the view of the courtyard where his grandchildren often visit and play. The opposite side of the hall is used to display family pictures and paintings. The accessible bathroom is located near the entry-hallway so that he and other visitors with disabilities can use it.
Quiet Garden seen from Master Bedroom, looking toward the Bay
New Home for a Retired Couple This new house was designed for a retired couple on a hillside in Marin County with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. The husband was disabled and on his wheelchair. To make the house livable, it is designed as a single story house, surrounded with gardens, all of which are accessible for his and other family members' enjoyment. The inside is designed as much as accessible. The main common area that includes the entrance, hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen is designed as a large flowing, but in a very subtle way articulated space with an open ceiling. The hallway is wide enough for a wheelchair to rotate. It acts as a gallery and a library also with bookshelves, which are accessible under the window sill. The window sill is low enough that he can enjoy the view of the courtyard where his grandchildren often visit and play. The opposite side of the hall is used to display family pictures and paintings. The accessible bathroom is located near the entry-hallway so that he and other visitors with disabilities can use it.
Bathroom-wheelchair accessible
New Home for a Retired Couple This new house was designed for a retired couple on a hillside in Marin County with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. The husband was disabled and on his wheelchair. To make the house livable, it is designed as a single story house, surrounded with gardens, all of which are accessible for his and other family members' enjoyment. The inside is designed as much as accessible. The main common area that includes the entrance, hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen is designed as a large flowing, but in a very subtle way articulated space with an open ceiling. The hallway is wide enough for a wheelchair to rotate. It acts as a gallery and a library also with bookshelves, which are accessible under the window sill. The window sill is low enough that he can enjoy the view of the courtyard where his grandchildren often visit and play. The opposite side of the hall is used to display family pictures and paintings. The accessible bathroom is located near the entry-hallway so that he and other visitors with disabilities can use it.
Studio for Ed Roberts
Ed Roberts with his son
Studio for Ed Roberts Our client Ed Roberts, the father of the disability rights movement, was one of the founding members of and directors of the Center for Independent Living and World Institute on Disability and a recipient of MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Before starting the design, I asked Ed if I could ride on his wheelchair and lie down in his Iron-lung. He was very amused. My intentions was of course that I wanted to feel how he experienced the environment and interact with people on the wheel chair and in the Iron-lung. We designed Ed's studio, giving more space, allowing movement and various positioning of Ed's tank (Iron-lung). Thus, Ed could be involved in different activities; viewing outdoor environment, listening to birds and rain, feeling the wind. Watching various objects on walls and ceilings, feeling the fire in the fireplace(The fireplace was set at the height of Ed's head when he lies in the tank), participating dinner with friends at the dinner table, and talking with visitors at various locations in the studio, and out on the deck.
Ed's Wheelchair, later donated to the Smithonian
Studio for Ed Roberts Our client Ed Roberts, the father of the disability rights movement, was one of the founding members of and directors of the Center for Independent Living and World Institute on Disability and a recipient of MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Before starting the design, I asked Ed if I could ride on his wheelchair and lie down in his Iron-lung. He was very amused. My intentions was of course that I wanted to feel how he experienced the environment and interact with people on the wheel chair and in the Iron-lung. We designed Ed's studio, giving more space, allowing movement and various positioning of Ed's tank (Iron-lung). Thus, Ed could be involved in different activities; viewing outdoor environment, listening to birds and rain, feeling the wind. Watching various objects on walls and ceilings, feeling the fire in the fireplace(The fireplace was set at the height of Ed's head when he lies in the tank), participating dinner with friends at the dinner table, and talking with visitors at various locations in the studio, and out on the deck.
Survey of Existing Conditions
Studio for Ed Roberts Our client Ed Roberts, the father of the disability rights movement, was one of the founding members of and directors of the Center for Independent Living and World Institute on Disability and a recipient of MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Before starting the design, I asked Ed if I could ride on his wheelchair and lie down in his Iron-lung. He was very amused. My intentions was of course that I wanted to feel how he experienced the environment and interact with people on the wheel chair and in the Iron-lung. We designed Ed's studio, giving more space, allowing movement and various positioning of Ed's tank (Iron-lung). Thus, Ed could be involved in different activities; viewing outdoor environment, listening to birds and rain, feeling the wind. Watching various objects on walls and ceilings, feeling the fire in the fireplace(The fireplace was set at the height of Ed's head when he lies in the tank), participating dinner with friends at the dinner table, and talking with visitors at various locations in the studio, and out on the deck.
Making Our Home Accessible & Enjoyable-Statement for the Display at Marin Center for Independent Living
Studio for Ed Roberts Our client Ed Roberts, the father of the disability rights movement, was one of the founding members of and directors of the Center for Independent Living and World Institute on Disability and a recipient of MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Before starting the design, I asked Ed if I could ride on his wheelchair and lie down in his Iron-lung. He was very amused. My intentions was of course that I wanted to feel how he experienced the environment and interact with people on the wheel chair and in the Iron-lung. We designed Ed's studio, giving more space, allowing movement and various positioning of Ed's tank (Iron-lung). Thus, Ed could be involved in different activities; viewing outdoor environment, listening to birds and rain, feeling the wind. Watching various objects on walls and ceilings, feeling the fire in the fireplace(The fireplace was set at the height of Ed's head when he lies in the tank), participating dinner with friends at the dinner table, and talking with visitors at various locations in the studio, and out on the deck.
Site Plan
Studio for Ed Roberts Our client Ed Roberts, the father of the disability rights movement, was one of the founding members of and directors of the Center for Independent Living and World Institute on Disability and a recipient of MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Before starting the design, I asked Ed if I could ride on his wheelchair and lie down in his Iron-lung. He was very amused. My intentions was of course that I wanted to feel how he experienced the environment and interact with people on the wheel chair and in the Iron-lung. We designed Ed's studio, giving more space, allowing movement and various positioning of Ed's tank (Iron-lung). Thus, Ed could be involved in different activities; viewing outdoor environment, listening to birds and rain, feeling the wind. Watching various objects on walls and ceilings, feeling the fire in the fireplace(The fireplace was set at the height of Ed's head when he lies in the tank), participating dinner with friends at the dinner table, and talking with visitors at various locations in the studio, and out on the deck.
Floor Plan
Studio for Ed Roberts Our client Ed Roberts, the father of the disability rights movement, was one of the founding members of and directors of the Center for Independent Living and World Institute on Disability and a recipient of MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Before starting the design, I asked Ed if I could ride on his wheelchair and lie down in his Iron-lung. He was very amused. My intentions was of course that I wanted to feel how he experienced the environment and interact with people on the wheel chair and in the Iron-lung. We designed Ed's studio, giving more space, allowing movement and various positioning of Ed's tank (Iron-lung). Thus, Ed could be involved in different activities; viewing outdoor environment, listening to birds and rain, feeling the wind. Watching various objects on walls and ceilings, feeling the fire in the fireplace(The fireplace was set at the height of Ed's head when he lies in the tank), participating dinner with friends at the dinner table, and talking with visitors at various locations in the studio, and out on the deck.
Section
Studio for Ed Roberts Our client Ed Roberts, the father of the disability rights movement, was one of the founding members of and directors of the Center for Independent Living and World Institute on Disability and a recipient of MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Before starting the design, I asked Ed if I could ride on his wheelchair and lie down in his Iron-lung. He was very amused. My intentions was of course that I wanted to feel how he experienced the environment and interact with people on the wheel chair and in the Iron-lung. We designed Ed's studio, giving more space, allowing movement and various positioning of Ed's tank (Iron-lung). Thus, Ed could be involved in different activities; viewing outdoor environment, listening to birds and rain, feeling the wind. Watching various objects on walls and ceilings, feeling the fire in the fireplace(The fireplace was set at the height of Ed's head when he lies in the tank), participating dinner with friends at the dinner table, and talking with visitors at various locations in the studio, and out on the deck.
Ed Roberts
Studio for Ed Roberts Our client Ed Roberts, the father of the disability rights movement, was one of the founding members of and directors of the Center for Independent Living and World Institute on Disability and a recipient of MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Before starting the design, I asked Ed if I could ride on his wheelchair and lie down in his Iron-lung. He was very amused. My intentions was of course that I wanted to feel how he experienced the environment and interact with people on the wheel chair and in the Iron-lung. We designed Ed's studio, giving more space, allowing movement and various positioning of Ed's tank (Iron-lung). Thus, Ed could be involved in different activities; viewing outdoor environment, listening to birds and rain, feeling the wind. Watching various objects on walls and ceilings, feeling the fire in the fireplace(The fireplace was set at the height of Ed's head when he lies in the tank), participating dinner with friends at the dinner table, and talking with visitors at various locations in the studio, and out on the deck.
Jennifer's Living Space
Wheelchair Study
Jennifer's Living Space Jenneifer, a young beautiful girl was disabled. Our client, Jennifer's parents, were planning to build a new home and wanted Jennifer's living section specifically designed for her unique needs. We studied her wheelchair and its relative scale, particularly in relation to her eye level, with the environment. Also, we wanted her to be able to do as much as she could by herself, because the sense of independency deeply affects her sense of identity and dignity. We researched a system of railing that is attached to the ceiling and one can travel from one place to another using the system. we studied various plans for smooth and easy transition from, for example her bedroom to the bathroom.
Railing System Study
Jennifer's Living Space Jenneifer, a young beautiful girl was disabled. Our client, Jennifer's parents, were planning to build a new home and wanted Jennifer's living section specifically designed for her unique needs. We studied her wheelchair and its relative scale, particularly in relation to her eye level, with the environment. Also, we wanted her to be able to do as much as she could by herself, because the sense of independency deeply affects her sense of identity and dignity. We researched a system of railing that is attached to the ceiling and one can travel from one place to another using the system. we studied various plans for smooth and easy transition from, for example her bedroom to the bathroom.
Plan Layout Study
Jennifer's Living Space Jenneifer, a young beautiful girl was disabled. Our client, Jennifer's parents, were planning to build a new home and wanted Jennifer's living section specifically designed for her unique needs. We studied her wheelchair and its relative scale, particularly in relation to her eye level, with the environment. Also, we wanted her to be able to do as much as she could by herself, because the sense of independency deeply affects her sense of identity and dignity. We researched a system of railing that is attached to the ceiling and one can travel from one place to another using the system. we studied various plans for smooth and easy transition from, for example her bedroom to the bathroom.
Scale Study
Jennifer's Living Space Jenneifer, a young beautiful girl was disabled. Our client, Jennifer's parents, were planning to build a new home and wanted Jennifer's living section specifically designed for her unique needs. We studied her wheelchair and its relative scale, particularly in relation to her eye level, with the environment. Also, we wanted her to be able to do as much as she could by herself, because the sense of independency deeply affects her sense of identity and dignity. We researched a system of railing that is attached to the ceiling and one can travel from one place to another using the system. we studied various plans for smooth and easy transition from, for example her bedroom to the bathroom.
Floor Plan
Jennifer's Living Space Jenneifer, a young beautiful girl was disabled. Our client, Jennifer's parents, were planning to build a new home and wanted Jennifer's living section specifically designed for her unique needs. We studied her wheelchair and its relative scale, particularly in relation to her eye level, with the environment. Also, we wanted her to be able to do as much as she could by herself, because the sense of independency deeply affects her sense of identity and dignity. We researched a system of railing that is attached to the ceiling and one can travel from one place to another using the system. we studied various plans for smooth and easy transition from, for example her bedroom to the bathroom.
Copyright © 2021 Makoto Takashina