London-based architecture firm Heatherwick Studio has been commissioned to design a new district in the center of Tokyo. Officially opened by the Prime Minister of Japan earlier this week, the district is called Azabudai Hills and brings to a close the 30-year effort of one of the country\u2019s leading urban developers.<\/p>\n
With Heatherwick Studio serving as the lead architect for the venture, Azabudai Hills comprises residential buildings, retail spaces, a school and two temples. It also features art galleries, offices and restaurants, all placed throughout a sprawling green landscape open to the public.<\/p>\n
For the project, the studio set out to create a space that would connect commuters, residents and the public alike and reflect the city\u2019s culture through a mixture of older and contemporary architectural influences. It also wanted the district, an urban space, to contain flowers, trees and lawns. Following its completion, Azabudai Hills is now one of Tokyo\u2019s \u201cGreenest urban areas.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were inspired to create a district that connects with people\u2019s emotions in a di\ufb00erent way. By combining cultural and social facilities with an extraordinary three-dimensional, explorable, landscape, it\u2019s been possible to o\ufb00er visitors and the local community somewhere to connect with each other and enjoy open green public spaces,\u201d founder Thomas Heatherwick said. \u201cThis is a joyful and unique public place for Tokyo, designed to be cherished for many years.”<\/p>\n