Roppongi

The overall appearance of the building is the result of a combination of prescribed urban codes on building setbacks and solar overshadowing, the maximum leasable area, and the iconic image of Japanese mountains. In response to these parameters, we created a luscious living hill in a dense urban section of Tokyo. The green hill on top of the building spills down the facades and connects the structure to the surrounding streets. The AO-Project will therefore change continually with the seasons, an aspect that is highly valued in Japan. The entrance is via a so-called “porte-cochere” that penetrates the building like a tunnel connecting the street to the main lobby and turning upwards into an atrium to emerge onto the landscaped roof above. This formal device creates a public space that connects all six floors above ground, introducing a dramatic funnel of light into the building. The atrium ensures that all residential floors are naturally lit, and illuminates the basement floor. From beneath, one has a clear view of the sky from all levels. This play of light continues at night with a constellation of pinpoints of light reflecting off the glass panelling.