Atelier with Corridor by Takayuki Kuzushima and Associates

Located in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Atelier with Corridor by Takayuki Kuzushima and Associates is a unique architectural intervention that balances private artistic practice with community interaction. Designed for pottery artist Ryosuke Ando, the project expands the existing atelier of the main house by adding a new workspace on the southern part of the site.

The challenge of the site—narrow frontage, dense surroundings, and direct connection to open urban space—was turned into an opportunity. The architects developed a functional and flexible layout that blends interior studios with semi-exterior transitional spaces. This design not only supports the pottery-making process but also strengthens the connection between house, atelier, and town.

Spatial Organization and Functional Design

The plan is anchored by a long, narrow corridor that serves as the central axis. This corridor links the main house’s atelier with newly added workspaces while visually connecting the home to the surrounding neighborhood.

The atelier is divided into three sequential zones aligned with the main building:

1. Clay and plaster work
2. Glazing and detailing
3. Kiln and firing space

The kiln room, which becomes intensely hot during use, is deliberately separated and connected via an exterior corridor. This transitional space functions beyond circulation—it also serves as a temporary storage zone, delivery route, and an exhibition space for workshops and community events.

Architectural Elements and Materials

One of the most distinctive features of the project is the Kendon fittings—sliding wooden panels designed with grooves for easy lifting and fitting. When removed, these panels can be repositioned to form partitions, creating both privacy and adaptable spatial use. The fittings also act as backrests for chairs, supporting casual gatherings in the corridor.

The finishes and details echo the tactile qualities of pottery:

• Silver urethane paint on the Kendon fittings highlights wood grain while harmonizing with exterior folded panels.
• Gold-painted steel hardware prevents rust while referencing the glaze-like accents of ceramic craft.
• The folded-plate roof, hovering above like a warehouse or carport, integrates seamlessly into the residential context while symbolizing the potter’s craft through scale and proportion.

These design strategies create a subtle dialogue between architecture and pottery, blurring boundaries between artistic expression and built form.

A Corridor Between House and Town

The exterior corridor is more than circulation—it represents the architectural essence of the project. Acting as a semi-public threshold, it mediates between private domestic life, artisanal work, and the larger urban fabric. From exhibitions to casual street-facing interactions, the corridor embodies the idea of a "hut between town and house"—a space where craftsmanship becomes part of the community landscape.

Atelier with Corridor by Takayuki Kuzushima and Associates exemplifies how architecture can embody both functionality and symbolism. It provides a practical workspace for pottery while fostering openness, adaptability, and engagement with the local community. Through thoughtful materiality and spatial sequencing, the project celebrates the intimate relationship between the artist, their craft, and the town.