The Toranomon-Azabudai project, a collaboration between several design offices, is a modern urban village built with nature and humans at its heart and activities on the perimeter.

This versatile development in the heart of Tokyo is filled with lush green spaces and gathering areas. With an open exterior floor plan, the design includes offices, residences, a hotel, an international school, retail stores, restaurants, and cultural facilities. It will provide a space for work, learning, leisure, interaction and relaxation.

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The Toranomon-Azabudai project is a redesign of a long and narrow area that was previously fragmented by deteriorating houses and buildings. Overall, the city’s infrastructure was in need of an upgrade. The goal of the developers and local residents was to update the area and provide all the amenities of a big city while maintaining a small village feel.

The Toranomon-Azabudai District Urban Redevelopment Association, together with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, Heatherwick Studio, Sou Fujimoto Architects and developer Mori Building Co, among others, recognize a shared vision to place landscaping and the plaza power plant first, then work the three high-rise buildings thereafter. This is in direct contrast to most developments, where buildings take precedence. The philosophy honors the two pillars of green and well-being at every step. Some buildings will have green roofs and the central square will be covered with trees, flowers and water landscapes.

The entire neighborhood will be powered by 100% renewable energy sources, which will meet the targets set out in the RE100 international environmental initiative led by the UK’s Climate Group. The developers also plan to meet the criteria to achieve WELL and LEED-ND certifications. The project strives to lead by example in solutions to modern concerns about carbon emissions, biodiversity loss and lack of accessible health care.

Construction began on August 5, 2019 and is expected to be completed in March 2023. When complete, it is expected to accommodate 20,000 employees and 3,500 residents, and welcome 25 to 35 million visitors per year.

+ Mori Building Co.

Images via Mori Building Co.