in tokyo, plots of land are small and the abundance of regulations renders them even smaller. buildings must be separated by what is called the ma, a distance of 1 foot (30 cm) which adds up quickly if your lot is barely the length of a car. further, the streets are narrow, prohibiting parking. thus those who want a car are forced to give up space for some form of parking on their already slim plot of land. not to mention height ordinances. all of these requirements and codes can be stifling. but what i love about japanese architecture is that rather than viewing this invasion of code as a hinderance, they choose to be positively influenced by regulation. the results of their labor are necessarily innovative and inspiring. proof in point? halfrooms: a unique response to filling confined spaces with light.
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-joel