Snøhetta has shared designs for its largest structure in Japan to date with the Shibuya Upper West Project. Made for Tokyu Corporation, L Catterton Real Estate, and Tokyu Department Store, the roughly 1.26 million-square-foot mixed-use development will add a cultural complex, retail, a luxury hotel, and rental residences to Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya district. 

The project sits at the intersection of the upscale residential area of Shoto, the cultural neighborhoods of Kamiyamacho and Tomigaya, and the ever-busy Shibuya ward. Key features include The Hive, a lively atrium anchoring the heart of the project, and The Sanctuary, a casual space with lush roof terraces for visitors to relax.

According to the architects, the design of the Shibuya Upper West Project aims to evoke images of the distant foothills of Mount Fuji with its terraced steps, and ceramic façade elements refer to an ancient Japanese building practice. The development aims to achieve the highest possible sustainability ratings, the project description states.

“The design is formed as a single gesture, moving from the horizontal ground plane to the vertical skyline, symbolizing the energy of the area in a single stroke,” said Partner and Managing Director of Snøhetta Hong Kong, Robert Greenwood. “It is an homage to the duality of Tokyo — a modern city steeped in tradition.”

The development, a collaboration between Snøhetta as Design Architect and a joint venture between Nikken Sekkei Ltd and Tokyu Architects & Engineers INC acting as Executive Architect, is expected to complete in the fiscal year 2027.