The Urban Vision

04/06/2025

We visited Shibaura House, a transparent, multi-story structure situated in the heart of Shibaura and designed by Kazuyo Sejima, co-founder of SANAA. The building is a compelling case study in architectural openness, spatial adaptability, and civic engagement. Characterized by its glass façade and open floor plates, Shibaura House dissolves traditional boundaries—between interior and exterior, and between public and private realms—encouraging interaction and permeability.
At the ground level, we experienced the building’s community-oriented space, which acts as its social core—a multifunctional venue for cultural programming, educational initiatives, and neighborhood engagement. Unlike conventional office typologies, this space is deliberately porous, welcoming spontaneous participation and fostering inclusivity.
We had the privilege of hearing from Founder Masaru Ito, who shared the vision behind Shibaura House. He explained that the building was conceived not merely as a workspace but as an urban commons—a platform where creativity, dialogue, and community intersect. Ito highlighted his design brief to Sejima, emphasizing architecture’s potential as a medium for cultivating social cohesion, particularly in high-density urban contexts like Tokyo.
For the Urban Leaders delegation, the visit offered a compelling insight: architecture is not solely about constructing buildings—it is about shaping environments that sustain civic life. Shibaura House embodies human-centered urbanism, demonstrating how intentional design and programming can drive social innovation and foster resilient urban communities.

A dynamic session during Urban Leaders Retreat in Tokyo brought together four pioneering thought leaders shaping the future of Japanese urbanism through place-based innovation, community capital, and spatial ecosystem development.
Daisuke Sugawara presented the concept of a micro-network of public spaces, illustrating how the strategic integration of small-scale urban interventions can activate underutilized areas and foster inclusive civic engagement. His approach emphasized connectivity, both spatial and social, as a means of reimagining the urban fabric.
Masaru Ito, founder of Shibaura House, shared his experience in transforming a privately owned structure into a transparent, multifunctional community hub. He conceptualized this model as an embodiment of community capital, positioning architecture as an essential medium for trust-building, participatory design, and localized social infrastructure.
Christian Dimmer posed the fundamental question, “What defines a good city?” He advocated for the development of integrated socio-economic ecosystems, where resilient local economies, dense social networks, and collective creativity converge. He highlighted the importance of anchor institutions, the cultivation of social capital, and shared urban visions in fostering equitable and adaptive urban futures.
Tamura Koichiro, representing Placemaking Japan, offered insights into citizen-led urbanism. He showcased grassroots placemaking efforts throughout Japanese neighborhoods that are redefining the function and meaning of public spaces, strengthening community identity, and promoting civic pride through participatory spatial practices.

As part of the Urban Leaders Retreat in Tokyo, we had the privilege of exploring the iconic T-Site Daikanyama alongside architect Mark Dytham, co-founder of Klein Dytham Architecture. Mark provided a detailed articulation of the design philosophy behind this internationally acclaimed lifestyle complex, which seamlessly integrates retail, culture, and community within a cohesive urban framework.
At the heart of the site is the Tsutaya Books store, notable for its striking façade composed of interlocking "T" motifs—an architectural gesture that establishes a strong visual identity while referencing the brand’s typographic heritage. Mark explained how the project reimagines the bookstore as a civic and cultural hub, moving beyond its conventional retail function to become a site for social interaction and leisurely exploration.
The design strategy employs a series of low-rise pavilion-like volumes set within a verdant, pedestrian-friendly landscape. This spatial composition fosters openness, intimacy, and a village-scale ambience—inviting visitors to meander, linger, and engage with the environment in a more deliberate, contemplative manner.
Conceived as a space for slow, serendipitous discovery, T-Site Daikanyama exemplifies a nuanced synthesis of Tokyo’s modern urban lifestyle and its more traditional neighborhood character. Mark emphasized that the success of the project lies in its adherence to human-scale design principles, curated programmatic content, and refined material sensibility—elements that collectively position T-Site as a benchmark for experiential placemaking in contemporary urban retail development.
This site visit offered a compelling case study in how architectural design can elevate everyday environments into rich, immersive urban experiences.

04/06/2025

Urban Systems Thinking at Nikken Sekkei
As part of the Urban Leaders Retreat, we had the privilege of visiting the headquarters of Nikken Sekkei, one of Japan’s most influential architecture, urban design, and engineering firms.
With a legacy spanning over a century, Nikken Sekkei has played a central role in shaping the contemporary urban fabric of Tokyo and beyond. From complex transit-oriented developments such as the Tokyo Station Yaesu Redevelopment, to landmark cultural institutions and sustainable masterplans, the firm exemplifies a holistic, future-facing approach to city-making.
At their Tokyo studio, we gained a behind-the-scenes perspective on how the firm integrates data-driven design, environmental performance, and deep contextual sensitivity to craft urban environments that are adaptive, inclusive, and resilient.
What stood out most was their systems-level design philosophy—a refusal to treat architecture, infrastructure, mobility, and public space as isolated components. Instead, these are approached as interdependent layers of urban life, carefully woven together to enhance human experience and long-term sustainability.
Whether designing multimodal underground transport networks, embedding climate adaptation strategies into dense city cores, or safeguarding cultural memory within hyper-modern contexts, Nikken Sekkei continues to expand the boundaries of what integrated urban design can achieve.



Designing Dignity: The Tokyo Toilet Project
As part of our Urban Leaders Retreat, we explored one of Tokyo’s most inventive and socially conscious urban design initiatives: The Tokyo Toilet Project—a groundbreaking collaboration between Shibuya Ward, The Nippon Foundation, and some of Japan’s most renowned architects.
We had the privilege of engaging with Shibuya Ward officials and architect Yuki Ito, who shared the broader vision behind the project: to transform public toilets into inclusive, safe, and beautifully designed civic spaces. At its core, this initiative reframes sanitation not simply as utility, but as a gesture of urban hospitality—extending dignity and welcome to all users, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and international visitors.
Our walking tour included several iconic installations:

🔹 Haruno Ogawa Community Park – by Shigeru Ban
Features transparent walls that turn opaque when locked, offering a novel design that balances aesthetics, safety, and trust. It challenges perceptions of privacy through technological innovation.

🔹 Yoyogi Hachiman – by Toyo Ito
A sculptural form that merges fluid geometry with landscape integration, this design blends seamlessly into its park surroundings while ensuring accessibility and ease of use.

🔹 Nabeshima Shoto Park – by Kengo Kuma
Constructed from timber and nestled into a wooded park, this facility evokes warmth, calm, and material honesty, exemplifying how biophilic design can enhance even the most utilitarian spaces.

Each installation is a powerful statement: that public infrastructure, often overlooked or undervalued, can be reimagined as spaces of care, creativity, and civic pride. The Tokyo Toilet Project is not merely about design—it’s about redefining the public realm through architecture that reflects respect, inclusivity, and beauty.



As part of our Urban Leaders Retreat in Tokyo, we had the privilege of visiting the studio of Kengo Kuma & Associates, one of the most influential architectural practices operating on a global scale today.
Kuma’s design philosophy reimagines architecture through a lens of softness, human-scale proportions, and deep integration with the natural environment. The studio is renowned for its understated elegance—rejecting overt formalism in favor of meticulous craftsmanship, contextual sensitivity, and cultural resonance.
Kengo Kuma & Associates stands out for its pioneering use of natural materials, engagement with local artisanal methods, and a site-specific design approach. Their diverse portfolio spans from landmark projects like the Japan National Stadium to modest yet evocative structures such as teahouses and community pavilions. This range reflects a core belief that architecture can be both innovative and grounded—advancing contemporary urbanism while preserving and reinterpreting traditional heritage.
Experiencing the studio’s creative process firsthand was profoundly inspiring, offering insight into a practice that continues to shape global dialogues on sustainable design, material innovation, and the role of cultural continuity in urban development.

04/06/2025

Omotesando: A Global Showcase of Contemporary Urban Architecture
Omotesando stands as one of the world’s most architecturally significant urban corridors—a unique streetscape where the world’s leading architects have shaped a compelling dialogue between retail, design, and the public realm.
As part of our Urban Leaders Study Retreat, we had the privilege of exploring this district under the expert guidance of architect James Lambiasi, who offered rich insights into the spatial, cultural, and commercial layering that defines Tokyo’s approach to high-street urbanism.
Omotesando serves as a living gallery of contemporary architecture, featuring iconic works such as:
- Sunny Hills by Kengo Kuma

- Omotesando Hills by Tadao Ando

- GYRE by Kenzo Tange

- TOD’s Building by Toyo Ito

- Dior by SANAA

- Prada and Miu Miu by Herzog & de Meuron

Together, these buildings illustrate how architectural experimentation and brand identity converge within a high-density, walkable urban context—making Omotesando not only a commercial axis, but a cultural and design landmark in its own right.

Takenaka Corporation: Tradition Meets Innovation in Japanese Building Culture
Takenaka Corporation stands as one of Japan’s most revered architecture, engineering, and construction firms, with a distinguished legacy that spans over four centuries. Renowned for its integration of craftsmanship, technology, and design excellence, Takenaka continues to set industry benchmarks in both heritage preservation and future-forward innovation.
As part of our Urban Leaders Retreat, we had the privilege of visiting Takenaka’s Tokyo Headquarters—a flagship for sustainable architecture and technological advancement. There, we observed how the firm is leveraging AI, digital construction tools, and precision site monitoring systems to transform traditional workflows into data-informed, adaptive construction processes.
A highlight of Takenaka’s recent portfolio is the Osaka Ring, Japan’s largest wooden structure, which exemplifies the fusion of traditional timber construction techniques with contemporary structural engineering. This project is a compelling case study in how cultural heritage and sustainable innovation can coexist to deliver bold architectural statements with minimal environmental impact.
Later in the week, several participants visited the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe—an understated yet extraordinary institution that captures the essence of Japanese construction artistry. With its beautifully curated exhibits, the museum honors the tools, traditions, and philosophies that continue to inform Japan’s approach to architecture and urbanism today.
We are deeply grateful to the Takenaka team for their generous hospitality and for sharing a vision where legacy and innovation move in harmony toward the future of citymaking.



Shinjuku: Vertical Urbanism and the Architecture of Improvisation
Shinjuku is one of the most iconic and dynamic urban districts in the world—an electrifying convergence of neon-lit facades, narrow alleyways, and vertically stacked lives. As part of our Urban Leaders Retreat, we explored its streets not simply as visitors, but as urbanists—decoding the spatial, cultural, and architectural logics that make this high-density district function with remarkable fluidity.
At the core of Shinjuku’s identity is the phenomenon of Zakkyo Architecture—a term derived from the Japanese word for “mixed” or “miscellaneous.” Emerging in the post-war reconstruction era and intensifying during Japan’s rapid economic growth, these vertically layered, mixed-use buildings reject the rigid zoning typologies common in Western cities. In a single structure, one may encounter a dentist’s office above a jazz bar, a ramen shop tucked beneath a gaming lounge, or a hair salon nestled mid-level. This isn’t disorder—it’s urban improvisation born of spatial necessity and elevated into cultural norm.
By night, Shinjuku transforms into a living lightscape. Its iconic neon architecture creates more than visual spectacle—it acts as an interactive layer of the public realm, extending commercial and social activity well into the night. Signage here is not simply functional advertising; it is urban animation, giving rhythm and identity to Tokyo’s famed nighttime economy.
Shinjuku exemplifies unplanned yet highly adaptive urbanism—organic, fine-grained, multifunctional, and deeply human-scaled. It offers a powerful counterpoint to rigid masterplans: a city that thrives on layering, reuse, and constant reinvention.

04/06/2025

Shibuya’s Vertical Cityscape: Where Transit Meets Culture and Creativity
As part of The Urban Vision’s Urban Leaders Retreat in Tokyo, we explored the Shibuya Station district and the transformative Miyash*ta Park redevelopment with Naoki Koike, urban mobility expert at Nikken Sekkei and one of the key architects of Shibuya’s evolution over the past two decades.
Far beyond a transit node, Shibuya functions as a vertically layered urban ecosystem, choreographing movement, culture, commerce, and public life. Handling over 2.4 million daily passengers, the station integrates rail, metro, elevated walkways, public plazas, and a vibrant commercial core—all while maintaining a seamless flow of people and activity across levels.
A key highlight was Miyash*ta Park, a bold reimagining of public space atop a retail structure. This innovative development combines:
A rooftop park with open green space

Active-use programming including a skate park and dance studio

A curated retail level showcasing Made in Local—Tokyo’s independent brands, artisanal goods, and cultural products

This convergence of mobility, creativity, and youth culture makes Miyash*ta Park a unique case study in vertical placemaking and cultural infrastructure.
What was most striking is the multi-level connectivity—from underground transit concourses to mid-level shopping and rooftop open space—creating a seamless relationship between movement and pause, density and delight. The layered pedestrian experience softens what could otherwise be a purely commercial zone, transforming it into a social and cultural urban node.
Shibuya stands as a living laboratory of human-centric city design, exemplifying how transit-oriented development can foster not just accessibility, but community and cultural vibrancy.
A sincere thank you to Mr. Koike and the Nikken Sekkei team for guiding us through one of Tokyo’s most compelling urban transformations.


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Urban Leaders Retreat | Tokyo Station TOD
As part of The Urban Vision’s Urban Leaders Retreat, we explored Tokyo Station—a global benchmark for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and one of the most economically productive urban hubs in the world.
On the Yaesu side, Ashish Lahoti of Nikken Sekkei guided us through the landmark redevelopment anchored by Tokyo Midtown Yaesu—a vertically integrated, mixed-use tower built above Japan’s largest underground bus terminal. This ambitious project exemplifies how multi-modal transit, retail programming, and civic infrastructure can be strategically layered into a singular, high-impact vertical campus, fully integrated with the transportation network below.
On the Marunouchi side, the Mitsubishi Estate team presented their decades-long regeneration of the district. Once a gateway to the Imperial Palace, Marunouchi has evolved into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly business and cultural precinct, where heritage architecture, global corporate headquarters, flagship retail, and public amenities co-exist in a finely scaled urban fabric.
At the core of this urban transformation lies Tokyo Station’s 8-level deep mobility hub, accommodating:
Shinkansen (bullet train) platforms

JR East suburban lines

Multiple metro systems

Private rail lines

Intercity buses

All of which are seamlessly connected by a 2-kilometer underground pedestrian network, linking commercial, hospitality, and retail districts across both sides of the station.
Tokyo Station is not merely a transit interchange—it is an economic engine. The greater Marunouchi-Yaesu area contributes over 10% of Japan’s GDP, making it the country’s most valuable commercial address and a compelling case study in transport-led urban regeneration.
A masterclass in how integrated mobility, design excellence, and long-term public-private collaboration can shape the sustainable, liveable cities of tomorrow.



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Tokyo Portcity Takeshiba: Where Smart Technology Meets Regenerative Urbanism
As part of The Urban Vision’s Urban Leaders Retreat, we had the opportunity to explore Tokyo Portcity Takeshiba—headquarters of global tech giant SoftBank and a flagship smart city development led in collaboration with Tokyu Land Corporation.
Strategically positioned between Tokyo Bay and the urban core, Takeshiba is envisioned as a next-generation waterfront innovation district, combining advanced digital infrastructure, biophilic urban design, and public realm revitalization to model a new paradigm of sustainable urban living.

🔧 Key Technological Features Include:
Touchless access systems & AI-powered security

Cashier-less, sensor-driven retail environments

Autonomous robotic cleaning and maintenance systems

Climate-responsive architecture with real-time crowd analytics

Seamless mobility integration and multimodal data feeds

A unified 24/7 connected infrastructure layer for real-time urban management

🌿 Ecological & Social Urbanism:
Architecturally, Portcity Takeshiba draws inspiration from adjacent parks and ecological corridors, incorporating:
Biodiversity-supportive landscaping

Rooftop and terrace vegetable gardens

Green terraces designed for health, wellness, and community use

Walkable mixed-use environments that balance work, leisure, and local culture

With over 200,000 sqm of mixed-use development delivered under Japan’s National Strategic Special Zone framework, Portcity Takeshiba represents a living laboratory for digital-physical urban convergence—offering lessons in climate adaptation, smart governance, and regenerative placemaking.
We were privileged to learn directly from the project’s visionaries, including:
So Watanabe, Naoto Asami, Yuuryu Dan, Kazuhiro Okuno – Tokyu Land Corporation

Kazumasa Fujita, Ryoko Nakamura, Yuka Misawa – PwC Japan

Daiji Chikuba, Yuki Ito – Japan Institute of Architects

A heartfelt thank you to all the teams for their warm hospitality and for sharing a bold, future-facing vision of how cities can be digitally intelligent, ecologically resilient, and socially inclusive.

04/06/2025

Tokyo remains one of the most transformative global cities—particularly for rapidly growing urban contexts like ours in India. Its seamless integration of transport, density, and design offers a living laboratory for urban innovation.
We began our program with a deep dive into Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) principles at Nikken Sekkei, where we explored their pioneering work on some of the world's most complex multimodal transport hubs. Their approach to urban integration through design precision and user-centered mobility set the tone for the day.
Our study visits took us across key districts, from Roppongi to Azabudai Hills, with insightful stops at Izumi Garden and Tokyo Midtown. Each development presented unique strategies in vertical mixed-use architecture, transit accessibility, and public realm activation—underscoring the value of layering functions within compact urban footprints.
At the Mori Urban Lab, we experienced the remarkable 3D Tokyo Urban Model—offering a comprehensive, spatial view of how density, infrastructure, and urban form coalesce across the Tokyo metropolitan area. It’s a powerful tool for scenario planning and data-driven urban design.
In the afternoon, we focused on Shibuya Station—a case study in multi-level connectivity and placemaking.

🏙️ Case Study: Shibuya Station Transformation
Once a congested and chaotic transfer point, Shibuya has undergone a bold, phased redevelopment into a vertically integrated city node. It now seamlessly combines transit, retail, elevated pedestrian decks, and vibrant open spaces—anchored by landmark architecture and public art. This transformation exemplifies next-generation urban mobility and human-centered placemaking.

We concluded our day at the historic Tokyo Station precinct, a compelling example of heritage preservation and high-performance urban renewal.

🏛️ Case Study: Tokyo Station City
This iconic transport hub demonstrates how heritage conservation can coexist with smart urban regeneration. The Marunouchi district offers a pedestrian-first environment with underground retail, hospitality, and cultural infrastructure—all directly connected to the station. It stands as a benchmark for TOD-led economic revitalization, blending historic fabric with modern functionality.

The Mori Building Urban Lab serves as a dynamic think space where Tokyo’s urban future is visualized, interrogated, and reimagined.
It provides advanced analytical tools and spatial models to examine the city’s evolving role on the global stage—spanning urban morphology, infrastructure integration, and international competitiveness.


Urban Visions: Lessons from Tokyo
As part of The Urban Vision’s Urban Leaders Retreat in Tokyo, we examined how Japan’s capital city sets a global benchmark in integrating density, design, and livability. In dialogue with senior leaders at Nikken Sekkei, we explored the evolution of mixed-use development, verticality, and nature-first innovation as essential components of sustainable, human-centered cities.
Tokyo’s urbanism offers future-forward blueprints for compact, culturally vibrant, and transit-connected living.

Four Iconic Integrated Developments That Reimagine City Living:

🏙️ Roppongi Hills
A pioneering example of the “city within a city” model, Roppongi Hills seamlessly blends culture, commerce, luxury living, and public space. Anchored by the Mori Art Museum and panoramic observation decks, its seasonal placemaking along Keyakizaka Street exemplifies how cultural programming activates vertical urban districts.

🌆 Izumi Garden
Izumi Garden exemplifies quiet luxury and executive functionality within a refined, mixed-use vertical campus. With integrated residences, upscale dining, and direct metro connectivity, it is designed for discretion, efficiency, and global business exchange.

🌿 Tokyo Midtown
A leading case of green urbanism, Tokyo Midtown merges corporate headquarters with public parks, hospitality, and cultural venues. With Hinokicho Park and The Ritz-Carlton as anchors, it demonstrates how ecology, commerce, and daily life can co-exist in harmony within high-density environments.

🏗️ Azabudai Hills
Tokyo’s most ambitious recent development, Azabudai Hills embodies the concept of the Modern Urban Village. Featuring Japan’s tallest skyscraper, a central green square, wellness-centric architecture, and international HQs, it represents the next generation of holistic, walkable city ecosystems.

Tokyo doesn’t just construct buildings—it engineers community, continuity, and connected urban futures.

23/01/2024

https://placemakingindia.org/placemaking-week-india-2024/early-bird-registration

Placemaking India Week India 2024 is coming soon! Register here -https://lnkd.in/gatw92s4. CityWorks has engaging presentations planned on temple placemaking on the opening weekend, including public space development at a seashore temple in Thiruchendur, around Amritsar’s golden temples and the Kunj and havelis of Brajbhoomi.

We will be working intensively over three evenings on live local challenges: decongesting the commercial streets around Meenakshi Temple, layering activities around a temple tank and giving life to a forgotten pocket park.

We’Collab has planned a field trip to Karaikudi, home to the awesome traditional homes of Chettiar traders, followed by a workshop in traditional Atangudi tiles.

Finally, we will take in Madurai’s traditional markets and renowned street food on the last day which is a foretaste of the Market Cities-themed Placemaking Week India 2025 in Thrissur, Kerala.

There’s still time to avail of the early bird rates for ten more placemakers before Thursday, January 25. The participation fee covers all activities and six heritage meals.

14/12/2023

https://buff.ly/3RGEbXn
Urban development must be viewed in its entirety, as an interconnection where people, climate, and sustainability converge to create not just spaces, but thriving ecosystems that endure and evolve for generations to come

Urban development must shift towards holistic vision that encompasses people, climate & sustainability to create thriving ecosystems. Inadequate infrastructure & land use planning, climate change, inadequate housing, & economic disparities all contribute to urban vulnerability. Sustainable urban pla...

13/12/2023

https://buff.ly/48hkACs
Shopping, snacking, even elaborate religious worshipping, are not just activities done on streets but the pegs that hold together community life and expression

Urban streets must be designed to be inclusive, accessible and safe for all users. A collaborative approach to street design, involving both top-down and bottom-up strategies, can help cities create streets that are more equitable and sustainable. This approach can help cities create vibrant public....

08/12/2023

https://buff.ly/47EHTq1
The report noted that while India has led in PPPs, especially in roads, ports, airports and energy, few PPPs have happened in the urban sector.

Digital tech can transform urban India: Report highlights PPPs, municipal bonds & effective urban transport planning. It focuses on floor space & land price regulation, ‘smart cities’ & financial sustainability of urban local bodies. It also delves on housing & migration, providing solutions to ...

30/11/2023

https://buff.ly/3N53wHP
Getting inspired by traditional Indian architecture, with its intricate patterns and use of natural materials

traditional indian architecture and urban design

24/11/2023

https://buff.ly/46mFajH
Designing cities around the amount of time needed to reach services and amenities is a popular planning approach.

The idea of the 15-minute city has become popular globally. But this approach relies on ableist assumptions and doesn’t reflect inclusive urban design.

21/11/2023

https://buff.ly/46khGLP
Transforming low-density areas into mixed-use developments with green spaces, diverse housing, and pedestrian-friendly designs can address the challenges of growing cities