In Mitaka, the Reversible Destiny Lofts are nine apartments designed by Shusaku Arakawa and Madeleine Gins as both homes and works of art. Their unusual interiors challenge the feel of an everyday living space: floors slope and feel rough underfoot, walls curve, and bright rooms bring multiple colors into view at once. The design was inspired by Helen Keller. Visits take place by reservation, with tours available; contact the staff ahead if you need help arranging an interpreter for a Japanese-language tour.
An apartment complex conceived as art
Shusaku Arakawa and Madeleine Gins designed the Reversible Destiny Lofts as both residences and artworks. The nine apartments were conceived to stimulate the senses, and the project was built in memory of Helen Keller.
The design grew from the architects’ belief that physically challenging spaces could awaken residents’ instincts. Instead of familiar, practical rooms, the apartments use uneven floors, curved walls and bright blocks of color to make moving through them a more active experience.
Details inside the lofts
The floors are rough and slope from one side, while rounded walls alter the shape of each room. Room-sized spheres, each painted a single color, project from or hang over the main vestibule. Across the interiors, many colors appear in view at once.
Other details also break with the usual layout of a home. The apartments have awkwardly placed light switches, power sockets in the ceilings and no cupboards. Together, these choices make the rooms feel far removed from a conventional apartment.
Planning a visit
The lofts are residential, so visitors enter on a reserved tour or as part of an educational event. Tours are conducted in Japanese. If you need help communicating, contact the staff by email in advance to ask about interpreter assistance; English-language requests can be sent.
The floor’s rough texture is easier to notice without socks, so consider removing them if you are comfortable doing so. The vivid interiors also make the rooms a natural subject for photographs.
FAQ
Do you need a reservation to visit Reversible Destiny Lofts Mitaka?
Yes. Visits are by reservation, and tours are available. The complex is residential, so do not arrive expecting a walk-in visit.
Are tours available in English?
Tours are in Japanese. Contact the staff by email before your visit to ask about interpreter assistance; English-language requests can be sent.
Who designed the Reversible Destiny Lofts?
Architects Shusaku Arakawa and Madeleine Gins designed the nine apartments as both residences and artworks.
What should you look for inside?
Notice the sloping, rough floors, rounded walls, single-color room-sized spheres and the many colors visible around the interiors.
