Press Release

Construction Begins on Major Redevelopment in Tokyo

Construction is now underway on OH-1, one of the largest redevelopment projects ever undertaken in Japan’s capital. Designed by the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), the project comprises two high-rise buildings with a total floor area of 360,000 square meters, and a landscaped public open space. Prominently located in Tokyo’s Ohtemachi district and adjacent to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the project covers a 20,000-square-meter site. The OH-1 development reinforces the status of Ohtemachi as a premier international business center, while introducing new vitality to the area. Its mixed-use program includes commercial office space, a luxury hotel, retail, cultural facilities, and improvements to the public realm. A recent groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction and celebrated the design of the project.

Initiated by the real estate developer Mitsui Fudosan, the OH-1 project will create a new corporate headquarters for Mitsui & Co, one of Japan’s largest trading companies. This project continues a history of collaboration between Mitsui Fudosan and SOM, which have together created a series of major developments in Tokyo totaling more than 2 million square meters. These include Tokyo Midtown, a 563,000-square-meter mixed use development completed in 2007, and the Nihonbashi 2 Redevelopment, currently under construction.

“We are thrilled to partner once again with Mitsui Fudosan on this transformative project, which will revitalize Ohtemachi to become not only a world-class business center, but also the heart of a vibrant, 24-hour neighborhood,” said Mustafa Abadan, SOM Design Partner. “Our design bridges Tokyo’s past and future—honoring the historical and cultural significance of its site, and at the same time, signaling Japan’s stature at the forefront of technology and innovation.”

SOM’s design approach—balancing tradition and innovation—is reflected in the design of the two towers, which differ in their scale, massing, and materiality. Tower A, which faces the Imperial Palace, is the lower of the two buildings, and its design responds to the history of the site. At 160 meters tall, the tower’s scale harmonizes with the adjacent commercial buildings fronting the Imperial Palace East Gardens. The tower’s design, in its detailing, is inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship and woodworking techniques, brought to a contemporary interpretation by the use of granite and glass cladding. Tower B, which faces the Ohtemachi district, will rise to 200 meters. Clad in glass and steel, this tower establishes a strong presence on skyline as an emblem of contemporary Japan. Both towers are designed to allow for natural ventilation, and they include a range of sustainable design features that reduce their energy use.

The OH-1 project creates a significant open public space on the western edge of the site, facing the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Covering 6,000 square meters, this park will be landscaped with native trees, and will include a reflecting pool and a plaza to accommodate a variety of outdoor events. The park’s design also preserves and enhances the setting of Masakado’s Shrine, a historic cultural monument located on the site. With direct access to multiple Metro lines, the development is fully integrated into Tokyo’s public transportation system.

In addition to offices, hotel, and commercial amenities, the OH-1 development includes a multipurpose hall overlooking the park and plaza area. Equipped to host a range of events, from international business conferences to musical performances and entertainment, this amenity contributes to the project’s goal to enliven the Ohtemachi district as a cosmopolitan hub and cultural destination. With construction underway, the OH-1 project is scheduled for completion in 2020.

About Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) is one of the leading architecture, interior design, engineering, and urban planning firms in the world, with an 80-year reputation for design excellence and a portfolio that includes some of the most important architectural accomplishments of the 20th and 21st centuries. Since its inception, SOM has been a leader in the research and development of specialized technologies, new processes and innovative ideas, many of which have had a palpable and lasting impact on the design profession and the physical environment. The firm’s longstanding leadership in design and building technology has been honored with nearly 2,000 awards for quality, innovation, and management. The American Institute of Architects has recognized SOM twice with its highest honor, the Architecture Firm Award—in 1962 and again in 1996. The firm maintains offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mumbai, and Abu Dhabi.