Image courtesy of Ingenhoven architects

Ingenhoven Architects Reveal Plans for Green Towers in Tokyo

The Mori Building Corp. is currently developing the Toranomon area of Tokyo into a new business and lifestyle precinct. A new office tower and a residential tower will be built on both sides of the existing Toranomon Hills Mori Tower. The design of the two new towers respects the taller central tower but create their own identity as nodes in the larger green urban network. Lushly planted pedestrian decks fan out from the central tower. The terraced decks create a stepped urban landscape and an area for exchange and movement, bringing the greenery of the surrounding gardens of the historic Atago Shrine up and onto the buildings.

Image courtesy of Ingenhoven architects

The result will be an international hub for businesses, residents and visitors alike, based on ingenhoven architects and Mori Building’s shared urban vision of the “vertical garden city”. Planting on the rooftops helps reduce the urban heat island effect while also enhancing the buildings’ appearance when seen from above. Fundamental to the concept for both towers is a shared architectural vocabulary of horizontal ledges. The horizontal ledges help shade the fully glazed façades of the buildings and balance the desire for maximum daylight with the energy performance requirements of a high-performance building envelope.

Image courtesy of Ingenhoven architects

The terraces and decks provide public spaces and landscaped areas for recreation, activity or relaxation, and seamlessly merge with the horizontal ledges of the upper floors. The horizontal ledges fulfil multiple functions as shading, planters and balconies. The integration of green spaces on multiple levels adds outside spaces, reduces air pollutants and enhances the microclimate. The landscape stimulates the senses with colour, fragrance and sound. Waterfalls will both reflect natural light and enhance the urban soundscape through the sound of moving water.The decks also allow for an uninterrupted connection between the buildings. The parks in front of the two towers provide generous open spaces to the public. 

Image courtesy of Ingenhoven architects

The stepped terrace design allows onlookers to enjoy events as they occur on the levels below, creating a truly multi-layered urban landscape of lush greenery and public space. The towers’ design enhances the overall identity of the urban precinct while simultaneously fulfilling the diversity of functional requirements. The façade design plays an important role in the office tower’s overall energy efficiency (the project aims to achieve a CASBEE Class ‘S’ rating); however, other green technologies like a cogeneration system, grey water recycling, high-performance glazing, rainwater harvesting, photovoltaic as well as high-efficiency lighting and mechanical equipment are critical in ensuring that the buildings are as green as possible.

more. ingenhovenarchitects.com