Highlights
Official Project Name: New Domesticity
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Client: Mom’s Co-operative (conceptual)
Architects/designers: Xidian Wang
Project completion date: 2023
In a world where urban challenges and social inequalities are ever-growing, innovative architectural solutions are emerging to meet the needs of vulnerable communities. The New Domesticity project, led by designer and researcher Xidian Wang, has gained global recognition by winning the 2024 Azure AZ Award for Social Good. This project tackles the housing and social challenges faced by low-income single mothers in Tokyo through a fresh take on shared living. More than just a design achievement, New Domesticity represents a rethinking of urban spaces and community living in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
Rethinking Shared Spaces: The Core of New Domesticity
At the heart of New Domesticity is the concept of shared responsibility. While communal living arrangements are not new, this project goes beyond shared kitchens and childcare. The design aims to foster a self-sustaining environment where single mothers co-manage living spaces, businesses, and childcare. The idea is simple: by pooling resources and responsibilities, single mothers can reduce financial stress while gaining social support from those in similar situations.
This shared responsibility model not only alleviates economic burdens but also combats the social isolation that many single mothers face in urban environments. Instead of focusing solely on shared amenities, New Domesticity emphasizes the strength of collective resilience, allowing these families to thrive in ways traditional housing models cannot offer.
Reclaiming Underutilized Spaces in Tokyo
One of the most striking aspects of the New Domesticity project is its clever use of underutilized urban spaces. Tokyo, like many major cities, has its share of abandoned buildings, unused gaps between structures, and forgotten corners of public buildings. Wang’s design approach focuses on repurposing these overlooked spaces, transforming them into vibrant hubs that combine co-living with co-working.
The flexibility of these spaces allows them to adapt to the changing needs of the residents. Whether it’s a co-managed small business or a shared childcare area, the integration of public and private life blurs conventional boundaries and creates a dynamic community atmosphere. The result is a living environment that embeds marginalized families into the urban fabric, rather than isolating them.
Challenging the Norms: A New Vision for Family Structures
In a society like Japan, where the nuclear family is often seen as the ideal, single mothers frequently face social stigma and marginalization. New Domesticity challenges these cultural norms by proposing a new model of family and community. Instead of traditional, isolated housing units, this project envisions living spaces that encourage connection, adaptability, and inclusivity.
The design redefines what it means to live and work together, showing how architectural solutions can drive social change. By offering an alternative model of domestic life, New Domesticity is not just about creating new spaces but about rethinking how society can better support diverse family structures in urban environments.
A Blueprint for Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Living
Beyond its immediate social impact, New Domesticity serves as a prototype for sustainable urban development that other cities can replicate. The project highlights the potential of repurposing existing urban spaces while prioritizing sustainable materials and construction methods. By involving the end-users—single mothers—in the design and building process, the project ensures that the spaces truly meet their needs, fostering a strong sense of community ownership.
Moreover, the collaborative nature of the project brings together NGOs, local governments, and other stakeholders, setting a precedent for how socially responsible architecture can be developed. With its emphasis on shared living, social inclusion, and sustainability, New Domesticity is an inspiring model for cities worldwide looking to address similar challenges.
In sum, the New Domesticity project goes beyond just offering housing—it offers a reimagined way of living that integrates economic, social, and environmental goals. By winning the Azure AZ Award 2024 for Social Good, this project stands as a beacon for how architecture can play a critical role in reshaping urban life to be more inclusive and supportive for all.
