Tamaki Yoshihara Architects

Until recently, roles within the household were clearly divided between breadwinners and those responsible for domestic work. As a result, spaces for household tasks—such as kitchens and laundry rooms—were distinctly separated from areas where the family gathered and relaxed.

However, the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically transformed working styles. Daily commuting shifted largely to working from home, significantly increasing the amount of time spent indoors. In this context, there emerged a growing need for shared domestic spaces where whoever has the time—regardless of gender—can participate in housework and childcare.

By placing the kitchen at the center of the household circulation and bringing it into the foreground, the plan expands both the continuity and shared nature of daily movement. This design aims to move beyond the stereotype of men focused on work and women centered on the home, creating a living environment well suited to dual-income couples who value fairness and shared responsibility in housework and childcare.