info:

CLIENT: Mori Building Company

LOCATION: Tokyo, Japan

STATUS: Completed (November 2023)

SIZE: 8.1ha

DESIGN DIRECTOR: Thomas Heatherwick

GROUP LEADER: Neil Hubbard

PROJECT LEADER: Michael Lewis

ARCHITECTURE

Azabudai Hills: A Garden City Oasis in the Heart of Tokyo

21 Aug 2024

Azabudai Hills, located in Tokyo's Minato City, marks a groundbreaking achievement for Heatherwick Studio as their first district-scale project. Developed over three decades by Mori Building Company, this urban regeneration masterpiece seamlessly blends nature with modern architecture. The project spans over eight hectares, with Heatherwick Studio designing the public realm and lower podium architecture. The design emphasizes a harmonious integration of homes, shops, restaurants, cultural facilities, and even a school, all nestled within 2.4 hectares of lush public gardens. The studio's pergola-like system and undulating structures create a distinctive identity for the district, echoing the natural forms of the surrounding valley while maximizing green space without compromising connectivity.

Azabudai Hills is set to become a landmark destination in Tokyo, offering a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty. The design's innovative approach to greenery—both at ground level and cascading up the buildings—provides a refreshing contrast to the dense urban environment. The development's walkable facades, informal amphitheaters, and water features invite residents and visitors alike to explore and connect with nature, making it a true garden city in the heart of one of the world's busiest metropolises. Expected to attract 25 to 30 million visitors annually, Azabudai Hills exemplifies the future of urban design, where sustainability and community are at the forefront.

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