Lack of space, privacy and natural light define the Japanese housing scene, but a new generation of clients are not afraid to follow unconventional circumstances to combat the country’s building environments. From Akihisa Hirata to Studio Velocity and ON Design, we take a look at the most stellar examples – and architectural ingenuity – of modern Japanese housing. We speak with three architects who divide their time between architecture and windsurfing the Chilean coast. Meanwhile in London, Renzo Piano’s 310m high Shard is a workplace, public transit interchange and source of controversy. Mobile architecture offers an alternative way of thinking about consumption and environment for Berlin-based Magma. And since architects commonly design their own homes, we ask why some also design their own bars.