The TLT Project is an architectural endeavor led by two young architects that commenced in August 2015. One resides in Tokyo, employed at an architecture firm, while the other works in Los Angeles' Little Tokyo. They contend with a 16-hour time difference. Despite this, they sketch simultaneously, each in their respective time zones, and communicate via Skype, discussing food culture, daily life, and transportation.

Having studied on different continents, attended different schools of architecture, and immersed in diverse cultures, their sketches reflect this contrast: Tokyo sketches in red, Little Tokyo in yellow.

Ece begins her day, preparing for work. Her commute entails taking the subway, where queues form outside the station. Meanwhile, Eda, a day behind, prepares to leave her office. She typically rides her bike or takes an Uber, having used the subway only a few times.




























Eda's one-story house comprises a single room, shared with a 40-year-old woman who sleeps in the living room. The porch, surrounded by palm trees, serves as a favorite spot. Eda keeps her shoes on indoors. Her room spans 15 sqm, with a 6 sqm bathroom lacking proper insulation, causing discomfort at night.

In contrast, Ece resides in a three-story house with four other occupants. The entrance tenant remains unseen, and shoes are left at the door. The first floor houses communal facilities, while the second floor contains three rooms. Ece's room, at 6 sqm, overlooks another apartment, yet surprisingly, there's no sound transmission. The bathroom, exclusively for women, includes amenities such as music, self-heating features, and adjustable water pressure. Despite a terrace, it remains unused due to the hot weather.

Ece goes to bed around 10 pm, coinciding with Eda's awakening one day prior.

Next day, they decided to share a meal together via Skype.











Ece selects a norimaki from the conveyor belt, while Eda opts for a California roll. Despite their similarities, norimaki boasts cucumber, Toro, tamagoyaki, or surimi wrapped in nori seaweed and rice, whereas California roll substitutes avocado for Toro, originating from the scarcity of bluefin Tuna's fatty underbelly. As Americans favor inside-out rolls, the popularity of this new style leads to the invention of the California roll.




 

Ece, faced with crowded eateries during the lunch rush, eventually secures an empty bar stool, pouring herself some green tea from the tap. Meanwhile, Eda searches for an open restaurant, finding solace in a nearly empty Japanese eatery. The waiter serves her water with half of it filled with ice. Behind the counter, the Itamae meticulously crafts sushi rolls, placing them on color-coded plates according to price, then onto the conveyor belt.



After enjoying their meal, they settle the bill, with Ece omitting a tip as it's not customary, whereas Eda leaves at least a 15% tip, recognizing its significance to the server's income. Ece returns to work, while Eda heads home to rest.

Ece works at Atelier Bow Wow, and their workplace serves as a home office. Access is through a landing where everyone must remove their shoes, opting for socks or slippers. The first floor functions as the office, fostering collaboration among designers, while the second floor hosts the principals' communal kitchen and living room. Yoshi, a professor at Tokyo Tech, divides his time between school, the office, and travel, with the upper floors reserved for him and Kaijima. The basement serves as the workshop, where all models are meticulously crafted by hand. With a staff of 10, the office boasts an international cohort of interns and Japanese designers. Weekly team lunches at various eateries, ranging from Mexican to Indian cuisine, foster camaraderie. Operating as a home office, working hours extend from 10 am to 8 pm, with weekends off.

On the other hand, Eda interns at Morphosis Architecture, operating in an open office designed by Mayne. With 35 staff members, Thom Mayne's desk sits closer to the marketing department. Balancing teaching duties at UCLA, Mayne juggles time between school, the office, and travel. Designers enjoy a spacious green area for lunch gatherings, occasionally venturing to Culver City. The workshop is equipped with laser cutters, CNC machines, and 3D printers. Regular work hours are from 10 am to 7 pm and designers are expected to work on Saturdays as well.