Tokyo Green Space?

Exerpt from Multi-Housing News, By Diana Mosher

Midtown Tower, the tallest skyscraper in this city, is now open for business. The 53-story mixed-use building is the centerpiece of Tokyo Midtown, the most diverse mixed-use project to date, by Tokyo-based Mitsui Fudosan. Comprising more than one million square feet, Tokyo Midtown was designed around the concept "diversity on the green." In compliance with a local ordinance, 40 percent of the 25-acre site -- which was formerly occupied by Japan's Self-Defense Agency -- is now green space in the densely populated Roppongi neighborhood.

The 140 existing trees removed during construction have been replanted, according to specifications by landscape architect EDAW. The architectural team also includes: master architect SOM; retail designers Communication Arts Inc. and Kengo Kuma and Associates; multi-housing designers Jun Aoki & Associates; and Sakakura Associates Architects and Engineers.

According to Toshihide Ichikawa, managing officer and general manager of Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.'s Tokyo Midtown Development Department, mixed use is a relatively new concept in Japan that has steadily gained acceptance over the past 10 years. The Tokyo Midtown complex is likely to advance this real estate model. In addition to three office buildings (Midtown Tower, the 24-story Midtown East, and the 13-story Midtown West), it also features 410 rental units at Tokyo Midtown Residences, 107 Oakwood Premier long-term stay/serviced residences, and the Ritz Carlton Hotel—and Park Residences at Ritz Carlton—on the top floors of the Midtown Tower.

The city within a city is also home to the city's largest medical center, a 24-hour food market, a museum designed by Tadao Ando, a convention hall, and an array of retail choices. Tokyo is known for its sophisticated and efficient rail transportation system, and Tokyo Midtown's transit-oriented design provides interesting lessons for urban planners, developers and architects.

The project is attracting international business, and all of its commercial space is fully leased, according to Toshihiko Omachi, project leader, planning and administration group, Mitsui Fudosan. Tenants include Cisco Systems Inc. and Yahoo Japan Corporation.

The design of the public areas was an important consideration in filling the space. "SOM was one of six companies we considered for master architect," added Ichikawa. "SOM proposed a very open and spacious concept with an emphasis on the plaza and square, and they incorporated the green areas into the overall design.

"The design of Midtown Tower was also critical. "If the building had been overpowering, it would have looked out of place," Ichikawa said. "This design is elegant and nicely integrated into the skyline. The sky is for everyone [to enjoy], not just for us."

According to Ichikawa, "When we procured the site, the local economy was in decline and was also feeling the effects of 9/11. We wanted to contribute to the rebuilding of Tokyo's reputation. Now, the entire world is doing better. Our exports are good. Japanese banks have completed writing off bad debt, and the Japanese economy right now is in good shape."

Mitsui Fudosan is project manager of Tokyo Midtown and a 40-percent investor with five other companies who are also business owners and have funded the project: National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company, Sekisui House, Ltd., Fukoku Mutual Life Insurance Company, and Daido Life Insurance Company. Outside Japan, Mitsui Fudosan also has a presence in New York, Hawaii, Europe, Shanghai and Singapore.