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The Jewels of Aoyama – Today’s featured project

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The Jewels of Aoyama – Today’s featured project

| architect, architecture, architecture critic | June 10, 2011

A project by: Jun Mitsui & Associates Inc. Tokyo, Japan


This project is a formation of two different buildings; the main building has a limestone curtainwall façade of slit-windows that angles rhythmically like a folding screen, and in contrast to this, the smaller corner building is an entirely glass volume.  Together with its very prominent neighboring building, Prada, the buildings form a core complex for the Miyuki Dori area.  The corner building, surrounded by its larger neighbors, is set off as a centerpiece and creates a very strong identity for the complex as a whole and for the Minami Aoyama area as well.

The different appearance of the two buildings helps to enhance their relationship; the main building’s limestone façade creates a cohesive background to contrast with the entirely glass surfaces of the corner building, while also revealing activity of the shops behind through its slit windows.  By dividing the project into two buildings, this provided the opportunity to create an open plaza space in the center.  This space creates an extra circulation zone at this central intersection, pulling people through the complex, and making a dynamic space at the tenant’s entry space.  As people pass through, the intent is to evoke a response through the impact of the building design, and create interest in entering. 

Set beside the stoic blue crystal volume of the Prada building, the warm yellow limestone façade changes with the moving perspective as people walk by.   With this contrast, the intent is to ultimately compliment the surrounding buildings by creating an animated street experience.

Source:  Architizer – see more photos

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After working at various design practices on a full-time and freelance basis and starting his design firm, David McFadden saw a gap in the industry. In 1984, he created an expansive hub for architects and hiring firms to sync up, complete projects, and mutually benefit. That hub was Consulting For Architects Inc., which enabled architects to find meaningful design work while freeing hiring firms from tedious hiring-firing cycles. This departure from the traditional, more rigid style of employer-employee relations was just what the industry needed – flexibility and adaption to current work circumstances. David has successfully advised his clients and staff through the trials and tribulations of four recessions – the early ’80s, early ’90s, early 2000s, the Great Recession, and the pandemic.

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