On April 4th, the complex "Oak Omotesando" opened on the former site of the Hanae Mori Building (3-6-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo).
The building's exterior was jointly designed by Obayashi Corporation and Tange Associates. The aim was to create a new landscape that harmonizes with the zelkova trees lining Omotesando and the surrounding buildings. Oak trees, the namesake of the building, were planted in the green space south of the passageway that runs through the center. A green eco-space stretches from the zelkova trees of Omotesando.
The facade lighting was handled by lighting designer Shozo Toyohisa. Using LEDs, he designed a gradation of light that evokes traditional Japanese colors. The building also incorporates environmentally friendly features, such as the use of low-carbon concrete that reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 80% when hardening.
The office entrance features a spatial design called "Kukkyocho" by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. The mathematical model that dominates the centerpiece, titled "Mathematical Model 013," serves as the true identity of the deity in this temple-like space. Sugimoto also designed the interior of "Chasha Kanedanaka," a café produced and operated by the restaurant Kanedanaka, which opened on the second floor. From the main dining room, a 13.8-meter pillarless window offers a view of the moss garden, where Sugimoto personally selected and arranged the stones. "As with Katsura Imperial Villa, Japanese gardens have traditionally been integrated with the interior. I hope that guests can casually enjoy Japanese cuisine in a space that blends seamlessly with the garden," says Sugimoto. From a private room, guests can also view Sugimoto's artwork, which is installed at the entrance. The first and second floors house commercial facilities, including flagship stores for Emporio Armani and Coach, the premium cut-and-sew brand three dots, which was founded in Los Angeles, and the first street-level Nespresso Boutique in Tokyo. Emporio Armani will also have its first cafe (approximately 80 square meters) in Japan. A jewelry shop called K.UNO is scheduled to open on April 27th. A spokesperson for the Obayashi Group, which owns the building, explained the unique features of Oak Omotesando, saying, "Omotesando is famous for its architecture and art, and Hanae Mori Building was a pioneer in this area. Oak Omotesando incorporates art and has created a space that is different from ordinary commercial facilities. It is a fusion of art and architecture, meaning it is not simply a space to exhibit artworks, but rather a space where the artworks lead to the store, making the space itself a work of art."