Space for one

Abstract

Staying alone has been a new living style in densely populated cities like Tokyo. The declining birth rate and marriage rate ignite the "low desire society" that Japan has entered into. When the economy is in stagnation, young people are submissive to what they have and decide to "live in the moment", instead of pursuing a brighter future which is still unknown. More and more Japanese people choose to live single lives. Services for one person such as single-seat restaurants, absolute-quiet cafe, personal entertainment rooms, single wedding and renting relationships have been emerging. Privacy and independence have been main considerations for people who enjoy solitary. "Oneness" has become an initiative to face the uncertainty of life. This thesis is a discussion about the architectural response for people who seek the refugee place for themselves in Tokyo. It is trying to provide a new typology of living and focus on the mundane and daily life. Instead of being a practical machine, a city designed for loneliness with both freedom and restrictions could be a possible state of future. Places designed as "little but certain happiness" will provide the answer for people who focus on the minor satisfaction in their ordinary life.