Abstract
Edogawa Apartment House was built with the aim at an ideal urban housing complex. The residents highly appreciate the progressive ideas that shaped the housing complex for their experiences. Various ideas and architectural devices can be seen throughout the complex that contributes to developing this community. This study aims to understand some important factors from the experiences of Dojun-kai Edogawa Apartment House that can be inherited and applied to urban housing complexes in the next century. For this purpose, we examined the concept of the original plan, the process of forming the community, actual activities of the community, consciousness of the residents, and transformation of dwelling styles. Through this study process, we found a number of architectural documents and newspaper published by community activities. We also organized these old records. The major conclusions are:
1) In the layout of the units and the masterplan, merits of both Japanese and Western living style were considered. Rational use of limited space as well as the design and proportion of the building was emphasized.
2) A collective radio and operator assisted telephone which could also be used to alert residents in case of emergency, a central heating system, and elevators as well as other facilities were important factors that supported the community.
3) Efforts to achieve ventilation, especially during the hot and humid summers, can be seen in each units. The locations and types of windows were determined taking into consideration the flow of the wind from courtyard. Glass roofs and louvers as well as other devices were used at the top of the staircases to enhance ventilation.
4) Families were able to reside in there housing complex over long terms by moving to different types of units or inhabiting additional units over a short or extended period to meet their changing needs. Communal spaces such as a meeting room, a common bath house, dining hall, barber shop, and the courtyard were significant in shaping the community.
It is difficult to understand throughout the critical elements in our living environment. Therefore, it is necessary to record and analyze long-term dwelling experiences, and continue these efforts.
