Soukei Academy Of Fine Art & Design

The west side of Ikebukuro Station was once known as “Ikebukuro Montparnasse”, a hub for art and culture. Located in front of Nishi-Ikebukuro Park, this project is an art school fostering professionals in art and design. To assert presence on a narrow site, the façade contrasts exposed concrete and steel frames—a minimalist material pairing that commands attention. Deeply textured walls feature symbolic exposed concrete balconies, creating a sculptural expression through shadow play. These balconies double as student communication hubs, working with the gallery in ground floor to transform the compact urban campus into a dynamic urban interface, actively projecting activities into the city.