About
In the quiet residential area of Mitaka City, in the western suburbs of Tokyo, there suddenly appears a vividly colored architectural structure. This is the “Reversible Destiny Lofts Mitaka,” designed by Shusaku Arakawa and Madeline Gins. With its striking colors and unique shapes, as if a child’s dream world had become reality, this building instantly captures the gaze of anyone who visits.
The exterior is composed of panels in fourteen colors, including red, blue, yellow, and green, with each room featuring different color schemes. The arrangement is meticulously calculated so that no matter where you look, at least six colors are always within your field of vision. This design takes advantage of the human tendency to perceive diverse colors as part of their environment, creating a sensation akin to being in nature.
Stepping inside the building brings further surprises. The floors are not flat, but undulate with rises and dips, giving the sensation of walking on a sandy beach. This irregular flooring stimulates the soles of the feet, awakening bodily awareness and bringing new consciousness to everyday movements. In addition, spherical and cylindrical rooms are combined to create spaces that overturn the conventional concept of a home.
The design philosophy of this residence is based on the concept of a “house to not die.” Shusaku Arakawa and Madeline Gins deeply considered the impact of architecture on the human body and mind, and created a space where residents could maximize their potential. For example, the colors and shapes that stimulate vision and touch, and the undulating floors that train the sense of balance, are all devices intended to bring new awareness to unconscious daily actions.
This building is also known as an homage to Helen Keller. Just as people with visual or hearing impairments, like her, sharpen their other senses to perceive the world, this residence aims to open new sensory doors for its inhabitants. In fact, the people who live here reportedly confront their own bodies in daily life and make new discoveries every day.
The Reversible Destiny Lofts Mitaka is more than just a dwelling. It is a place that explores human potential, brings surprise and discovery into everyday life, and leaves a deep impression on those who visit. This building offers a new perspective on how we use our senses and bodies, adding new color to daily life.