Housing complex, in a prime location in downtown Tokyo. Before construction, the developers faced a choice regarding the stately forest covering the site. Although the land is expensive, they would have hated to clear the lot, so they pondered just how to keep the trees while securing enough floor space. The first step was to call in tree specialists to examine the state of the forest and pinpoint the root systems. This information helped the developers built the foundation walls away from roots. Curved underground beams diverge from the root systems. All thick limbs were measured during surveying and are represented three-dimensionally in digital images. Next, this data was used to simulate the growth of the forest over time and how trees would bend during typhoons. Smaller buildings were designed to fit between trees. Overall, the complex may have an irregular shape, but this approach to construction allowed the forest to fulfill the leading role without interference from the buildings. The architects also show a sense of humor in how some smaller rooms for people are nestled next to nest boxes for birds in the tree, in this eco-friendly and welcoming housing complex.

Earthwork in construction projects is synonymous with root-cutting. Cutting roots and killing trees seems to be an intrinsic part of construction. But in contrast with this, we made the effort to work with tree specialists and locate the root systems. We protected the roots by laying curved beams. In this way, we took on the role of nurturing the roots instead. Architecture has been characterized as being at odds with nature, but by demonstrating new design that supports the coexistence of trees and buildings in dense urban areas, we would like to inspire architecture more intimately linked with ecosystems.

Rental housing complex is a form of urban housing that has been receiving a lot of attention in recent years. Rental housing presupposes short-term tenancy, so it is easy to narrow down the types of lifestyles the tenants lead. This has the advantage of allowing the marketing of superior design just as it is. A number of superb rental housing complexes have been proposed, but FLEG Bird Park has an exceptional unique design, incorporating an existing woodland right into the housing units, creating an integration of greenery and construction. This rental housing complex suggests a new vision for maintaining contact with nature in the city.