EVERYBODY LOVES
an empathic approach to decipher the secret of one of the most cherished neighbourhoods in tokyo.
Why people are free in shimo?
Shimokitazawa, or Shimokita, is a hip cultural quarter with a lingering old-Tokyo vibe. Unlike the rest of Tokyo, people behave out of the way here and I went on a observational behavioral analysis to discover why It feels very free and chill to be here !
Ethno. Phenomeno.
Shimokita
Shimokitazawa, or Shimokita, is a hip cultural quarter with a lingering old-Tokyo vibe. Famous of its stylish stores for vintage clothes and vinyl. Narrow, mural-painted lanes are lined with Craft cafes and brewpubs host art shows and live bands, while bakeries and bistros serve inventive pastries and veggie curries. Edgy new plays debut at Honda Gekijo Theater, and young directors screen short movies at Tollywood cinema.
Why Shimokita
Unlike the rest of Tokyo, people behave out of the way here. It feels very free and chill to be here. It is unlikely to see people behaving this way in any other street in Tokyo.
Exposure
This analysis was done as part of research studio in Tokyo aiming to design innovative urban experiences using ubiquitous computing. This presentation was also presented at the city office.
Findings
01.
Freedom
People move in such a free manner. they can block the street or just walk on the car lanes.
02.
undisplayed
Contrary to the concept of Window-display shops in shimokita dont use their windows. Alternatively they create an environment around the shop inviting people in. One is engaged in a shopping experience rather than a window shopping one.
03.
selectivity
People move according to their selectivity. Interests pop up to them as if it was virtually highlighted.
04.
openness
Shops have no doors. That extends the shop beyond its internal space and allows walkers-by to feel a sense of receptivity and openness to come in.
05.
assimilation
Shops are assimilated in a sense that give this kind of unity to the whole area. the shimokita identity.
06.
transparency
Since shops have no doors it reflects them as transparent to each other. One can always see the end of the facing shop while being inside the other shop.
