The company promised to “faithfully reproduce” several beloved artifacts in the lobby, including wall tapestries, paper lanterns and sliding doors, the lacquered furnishings and map of time zones...But those plans have done little to assuage the concerns of preservationists, many of whom contend that Tokyo is destroying its greatest postwar architectural assets to accommodate the 2020 Olympics and a recent surge in tourism. — The New York Times
The New York Times profiles the historic Hotel Okura Tokyo, which began reconstruction last September, much to the dismay of preservationists worldwide. The Times covers its modernist legacy and the pressures of the real estate and tourist market that Tokyo can't avoid.
Previous news about the Hotel Okura:
Hurry if you want to own a piece of Tokyo's iconic modernist Hotel Okura
It's lights out at the old Okura: reconstruction of the iconic Tokyo hotel starts next week
1 Comment
I had to take a peak at the google earth view of that area, as I've been there to visit the US embassy in the past. All I've got to say is HOLY CRAP! They've done a number on that district, so much has been demolished, it's a bit shocking. I can only hope it's all worth it in the end...
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.