The site of the labyrinth is in a Tokyo suburb, bordered on the north by a busy traffic artery. The architectural concept was highly contradictory inasmuch as it merges a self-contained, closed-off community into one with a strong public character. The system of stairs is instrumental in achieving interlinking of private, communal and public domains, as well as retreats to the strictly private sphere. The flights of stairs descending into the central communal courtyard that is flanked by the two wings of the apartment building in a way form an extension of the neighbouring streets.