Designed by architect Hiroshi Naito, Kioi Seido is a five-storey structure with ‘no specific purpose’, yet it highlights the power of thoughtful design.

This building examples timeless design as a self-proclaimed ‘modern Pantheon’. Undeniably it already stands as one of Tokyo’s most enduring structures for decades to come that, while typically closed to the public, was recently opened for a short duration. The building is essentially a 15-metre-high concrete cube enclosed within a glass membrane, elevated from the ground by 3.6 metres.  This lower level serves as an entrance and first gallery space. The entire ground floor is covered in unused kawara roof tiles repurposed from a kiln in Shimane prefecture.

Following a set of stairs to the upper volume, the second gallery space unveils itself as a vast three-floored atrium space. Throughout the building, both the interior and exterior concrete is textural from its timber plank-stamped imprint that creates a warm duality alongside cedar used for walls, stairs and balconies. The juxtaposition of both materials creates a harmonised, warm space. Natural light floods through the atrium ceiling’s nine coffered skylights.

The building is a masterpiece. It’s unexpecting yet comforting. It’s modest in scale yet liberating with space. Four large polygonal pillars support the monolithic concrete structure, yet it’s the ‘outer skin’ layer of glass that adds to its modernity, both allowing for airflow and acting as a cover for the protruding staircase on the second to third floor.

Witnessing various visitors interacting, observing, appreciating the building both inside and outside, reflected the power of architecture. Tokyo-based Ala Champ Magazine Editor Joanna Kawecki noted it as a ‘memorable and subconsciously uplifting spatial experience.’

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Text: Joanna Kawecki
Images: Champ Creative © 2025