Tokyobuild makes miniature Tokyo buildings

Tokyobuild is the creation of Stockholm based designer, Christopher Robin, who painstakingly creates miniature models of tired Tokyo buildings and structures. Christopher Robin explores Tokyo high streets and neighbourhoods for interesting store fronts to replicate in his studio, from interesting toilet blocks to delapadated local shops. Unagi spoke to Christopher Robin, Tokyobuild, on his inspiration and plans for the rest of 2020 working through lockdown.

For someone that hasn't seen your work before how would you describe it?

Miniature models/sculptures in scale 1:20 of buildings with lots of patina. Mostly houses from Tokyo.

Is there a specific image that might best describe it?

Hmm, maybe something from the movie Blade Runner but not as futuristic mixed with the colours of a Morandi painting

How has your day to day work been affected by corona virus and what are your plans for the rest of 2020?

Have been working alot from home, wich have been both nice and frustrating. When I'm not working with miniatures I work as a freelance designer for H&M. It has and still is a really rough time for the company so they have needed to do lots of layoffs. And no freelance consultants are allowed to get new contracts. So I have a month left and then I don't really know what I will do. Have plans to maybe start a patreon site for Tokyobuild and do some kits for people to buy.

Who do you take inspiration from in your practise? 

I really enjoy watching stuff people like Joshua Smith is doing He does amazing stuff and he was kind of the first that i saw that made miniatures "cool". Then I admire all types of craftsmen, like clickspring and alec steele for example. Entertaining to watch and then they do great looking stuff.

Where are you currently based and how does that resinate with the work you do?

I'm based in Stockholm Sweden. I live and work on the miniatures on södermalm wich is the southern island of Stockholm. A really nice place with lots of old houses. I don't really know if stockholm resinates in my work, most people who have seen my work think I'm japanes and based in Tokyo. Wich is kind of the best compliment I can get for my miniatures. It's like a receipt that I manage to get the Japanese vibe into the building.

Unagi life is a site for those inspired by japanese aesthetic and life style. What would you recommend to our readers?

First of all, travel to Tokyo, download the Ramen Beast app and wonder around and drop in to random ramen places. So much fun!

Or follow the people on youtube who renovates an abandoned Japanese house. And watch Ponyo and old Godzilla movies with your kids. And get a bonsai.

For more information visit Tokyobuild