Yoyogi National Gymnasium / Kenzo Tange (1964). Image © Eron Costin
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https://www.archdaily.com/1029375/an-architectural-journey-through-tokyo-the-never-ending-city
Tokyo is never-ending. It is a city made up of many cities, where everything is superlative and encounters with overwhelming scale are constant. For those visiting for the first time, the cultural shock is striking. Everything is extremely clean despite the absence of public trash bins, there’s a strong impression of zero violence, and society seems to follow strict disciplinary codes to the letter. There’s a sense that human relationships and individual feelings are set aside in favor of the collective, with all the benefits and drawbacks that this way of life may bring.
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From an architectural point of view, it’s clear that almost everything is carefully designed and meticulously maintained. Perfect layouts, flawless finishes, and high-quality materials are used as if budget constraints simply didn’t exist. Good design is found everywhere, and it’s not uncommon to “stumble upon” works by renowned architects.
Tóquio. Image © Eron Costin
This photographic essay presents a collection of projects by some of the great figures in architecture, both Japanese and international. It can also serve as an architectural guide for those spending a few days in Tokyo, offering a sense of the current state of older works while also showcasing more recent buildings.
21_21 Design Sight / Tadao Ando (2007)
21_21 Design Sight / Tadao Ando (2007). Image © Eron CostinLa Collezione / Tadao Ando (1989)
La Collezione / Tadao Ando (1989). Image © Eron CostinOmotesando Hills / Tadao Ando (2005)
Omotesando Hills / Tadao Ando (2005). Image © Eron CostinFukutake Hall / Tadao Ando (2008)
Fukutake Hall / Tadao Ando (2008). Image © Eron CostinAsakusa Culture Tourist Information Center / Kengo Kuma (2012)
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center / Kengo Kuma (2012). Image © Eron CostinSunny Hills / Kengo Kuma (2013)
Sunny Hills / Kengo Kuma (2013). Image © Eron CostinNezu Museum / Kengo Kuma (2009)
Nezu Museum / Kengo Kuma (2009). Image © Eron CostinThe National Art Center / Kisho Kurokawa (2007)
The National Art Center / Kisho Kurokawa (2007). Image © Eron CostinYoyogi National Gymnasium / Kenzo Tange (1964)
Yoyogi National Gymnasium / Kenzo Tange (1964). Image © Eron CostinFuji TV / Kenzo Tange (1996)
Fuji TV / Kenzo Tange (1996). Image © Eron CostinSumida Hokusai Museum / Kazuyo Sejima (2016)
Sumida Hokusai Museum / Kazuyo Sejima (2016). Image © Eron CostinMaison Hermès / Renzo Piano (2001)
Maison Hermès / Renzo Piano (2001). Image © Eron CostinTokyo International Forum / Rafael Viñoly (1997)
Tokyo International Forum / Rafael Viñoly (1997). Image © Eron Costin178 Prada Ayoama / Herzog & de Meuron (2003)
178 Prada Ayoama / Herzog & de Meuron (2003). Image © Eron CostinMiu Miu Ayoama Store / Herzog & de Meuron (2015)
Miu Miu Ayoama Store / Herzog & de Meuron (2015). Image © Eron CostinDior Omotesando Store / SANAA (2004)
Dior Omotesando Store / SANAA (2004). Image © Eron CostinGyre / MVRDV (2007)
Gyre / MVRDV (2007). Image © Eron CostinTokyo Sky Tree / Tetsuo Tsuchiya (2012)
Tokyo Sky Tree / Tetsuo Tsuchiya (2012). Image © Eron Costin
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