The Urban Renaissance Agency (UR) and MUJI HOUSE have launched a new initiative called the "Danchi Collaborative Research Lab" as part of their ongoing MUJI×UR public housing renovation project. On February 6th, a first-of-its-kind model room opened at MUJI Tokyo Ariake (Koto-ku, Tokyo), featuring recreated outdoor spaces from public housing complexes.
The new project moves beyond traditional proposal-based approaches to establish a process of co-creating products and services with customers through dialogue. The model room serves as both an activity hub for this new initiative and an information center for MUJI×UR.
UR and MUJI HOUSE launched the MUJI×UR public housing renovation project in June 2012 to propose a new standard for rental renovations suited to Japan's diverse modern lifestyles. Since starting housing unit supply in Osaka in January 2013, the project has expanded to 79 public housing complexes as of November 2025, with approximately 1,500 units supplied.
Since 2021, the project has expanded beyond housing units to include exterior renovations, outdoor plazas, and shopping areas under the "MUJI×UR Comprehensive Public Housing Renovation" initiative, which aims to foster community formation. This expanded approach has been implemented at four public housing complexes nationwide.
About "Danchi Collaborative Research Lab"
The new initiative aims to collect customer feedback both offline at the model room in MUJI Tokyo Ariake and online via the web. The project targets gathering 20,000 participants annually who support and engage with this collaborative approach.
Using customer input as a starting point, the initiative will develop new products and further expand outdoor spaces and common areas in the "Comprehensive Public Housing Renovation" program, while proposing ways to achieve "personalized living" through MUJI×UR.
MUJI Tokyo Ariake Model Room Details
Japan's First Outdoor Space Recreation
The model room at MUJI Tokyo Ariake is the first in Japan to recreate portions of outdoor spaces from public housing complexes renovated under the MUJI×UR Comprehensive Public Housing Renovation program, in addition to showcasing residential unit renovation plans.
Location: MUJI Tokyo Ariake 2F (Ariake Garden, 2-1-7 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
Opening Date: February 6, 2026
Model Room Information: https://www.muji.net/ie/mujiur/modelroom/ariake
Note: The model room is freely accessible during MUJI Tokyo Ariake's business hours. UR rental housing introduction and other services are not available at this location.
Model Room Features
The model room was created using materials sourced from the Higashinakagami public housing complex and other sites scheduled for demolition, including beams, entrance doors, and manholes. This approach allows visitors to experience the essential charm of public housing living.
By incorporating highly-rated MUJI furniture, the space retains the warmth and character not found in new construction while proposing contemporary, refined living.
Upcoming Events at Model Room
Model Room Completion Commemorative Talk Event
Theme: "Discussing the Appeal and Future of Public Housing with Chiya Fujino, Author of 'Danchi no Futari'"
Location: MUJI Tokyo Ariake 2F (Ariake Garden, 2-1-7 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
Date: February 7, 2026, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Speakers: Chiya Fujino (Novelist) and others
MUJI×UR Comprehensive Renovation Market Event
Location: MUJI Tokyo Ariake 2F (Ariake Garden, 2-1-7 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
Date: February 28, 2026, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Event Details: This event will bring together individuals currently active in public housing communities to recreate the atmosphere of markets held at these locations. Participants will also receive guided tours of the new model room.
About the MUJI×UR Projects
MUJI×UR Public Housing Renovation Project
Launched in June 2012, this collaboration between UR (which has pursued standards in Japanese living) and MUJI HOUSE (which provides homes as "vessels for living" that people can cherish long-term) aims to propose new standards for rental renovations suited to Japan's diverse modern lifestyles.
The project takes a "don't destroy too much, don't create too much" approach to renovation, honoring the historical value of public housing while ensuring these spaces remain comfortable for residents for years to come. Customer communication through web-based columns and other channels helps inform the renovation approach.
Learn more: https://www.muji.net/ie/mujiur/
MUJI×UR Comprehensive Public Housing Renovation Project
Starting in 2021, this initiative expanded the renovation scope beyond housing units to include building exteriors, outdoor plazas, and shopping areas, with a focus on fostering community formation. The program has been implemented at four locations nationwide: Hanamigawa public housing (Chiba City), Konandai Kamome public housing (Yokohama City), Senboku Chayamadai 2-chome public housing (Sakai City), and Nakamiya Dai-3 public housing (Hirakata City).
Learn more: https://www.muji.net/ie/mujiur/whole_renovation/
