Architectural Design Concept
The Dojunkai Apartments, originally built as part of the
reconstruction after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, are known for
their excellent communal housing layout. For many people, these
apartments represent a cherished element of the Tokyo landscape. The
preservation of this landmark was one of the main issues arising in the
development of the reconstruction plan. Renovating the buildings was
neither physically nor economically viable, so we came up with two ideas
to maintain this urban landmark.
The first idea was to use the
underground space, placing half the building below ground, resulting in a
structure no taller than the zelkova trees lining the avenue. The
second idea was to incorporate the gentle slope of Omotesando with the
building’ public spaces. Its façade will run approx. 250m along the
avenue. Each floor will feature a slope contiguous with the avenue’s
gentle gradient, forming a unique new type of structure in an urban
setting. We are considering plantings greenery on the roof as a
continuation of the trees on the street. These features will blend
harmoniously in the new, revitalized Dojunkai Apartments of Omotesando.
Hacia la calle
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y a sus espaldas
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Placing top priority on maintaining the harmony of the scenery
and environment of historic Omotesando, we appointed the architect Tadao
Ando to design Omotesando Hills. Lush green scenery blending with the
line of Japanese zelkova trees adjacent to the complex was produced by
making maximum use of the underground space and maintaining a low-rise
profile, and by extensive use of rooftop gardening. The Dojunkai Aoyama
Apartments that had formerly existed on the site were re-born as the
Dojun Wing so that the next generation can inherit this scenery, which
is etched on many memories. In addition, Omotesando Hills has ingenious
features such as the novel, environmentally friendliness symbolized by
"hydrophobic" canal using rainwater, which will enable many people to
get to know the culture and history of the boulevard for years to come,
while carefully nurturing it.
A six-floor giant atrium (from 3rd basement floor to the third floor above ground) cuts through the center of the Media Ship. It presents a never-before experienced space with banners hanging from the roof and visuals projected onto the wide stairwell.The wide stairwell is equipped with moving speakers.
Divided into four sections, each floor is able to provide different sounds.
In the third basement floor, connected to the wide stairwell, is the approximately 500 square meter 'Space O'.This area changes according to each individual’s imagination and creative mind, imparting new information many times over. By linking together with the wide stairwell, expression on a larger scale can be provided.
The 700m long Spiral Slope is designed to evoke the gentle slope of Omotesando Street. (Omotesando Mark 2) The latest information is provided to passers-by with large and small monitors on each floor.
The largest feature of the facade is the 250m long LED Bright Up Wall. With its artwork perfectly in tune with the surrounding Japanese zelkova trees, Omotesando becomes an even more stimulating neighborhood. By integrating the entrance flags and wall banners, a strong visual impact can be portrayed to passers-by.
The freedom to use space together with various devices allows users to create an effective information display that creates an impact. The Media Ship, located in Omotesando at the epicenter of new culture, will become the new cutting-edge source of information from Tokyo to the world.
History of the Development
The Dojunkai Aoyama Apartments that form the axis of this project
are said to be Japan’s original cooperative housing units. They had
been a well-known landmark of Omotesando in the 75 years following their
completion in 1927. However, the buildings deteriorated and, with the
main impetus coming from the residents, a movement calling for them to
be rebuilt had already begun by the mid-1960s.In 1995 following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, specific investigations aimed at the realization of this project were pursued, in 2002 a union was established, in 2003 construction started, and in 2006 construction was completed.
| Development Time Line | |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Beginning of Dojunkai Aoyama Apartments renovation |
| 1998 | Tadao Ando is commissioned for the design |
| 1998 | Tokyo Metropolitan Government sells land ownership rights |
| 2001 | Jingumae 4-chome Area City Redevelopment Preparation Union established |
| 2002 | Jingumae 4-chome Area Type 1 City Redevelopment plans confirmed |
| 2002 | Jingumae 4-chome Area City Redevelopment Union established |
| 2003 | Jingumae 4-chome Area Type 1 City Redevelopment rights transfer plans approved |
| 2003 | Construction starte |
| 2006 | Construction completed |
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