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Soph. Roppongi Hills

Designed by the Tokyo-based architect Nobuo Araki – The Archetype, Soph. Roppongi Hills creates a sense of openness and allow natural light to enter the space.

The project was launched as part of the renewal of the 4th floor of Roppongi Hills. The maze-like structure of Roppongi Hills is a metropolis in its own right. Despite being located on the 4th floor, one side of the store faces a large light-filled void, while the other faces a pedestrian corridor.

For this project, Nobuo Araki tried to avoid building walls that would block the corridor. Mandatory fittings such as shelves, hanging systems and stock spaces were constructed perpendicular to the void. This design created a sense of openness and allowed natural light to enter the space, while also allowing the shop to be part of the building’s unique structure.

Takashi Murakami, You are Hollow, And So Am I, 2015. Acrylic on canvas mounted on aluminum frame, 170 x 144.7 cm. ©2015 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy Galerie Perrotin — Nobuo Araki – The Archetype, Soph. Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, 2016. Artwork: Takashi Murakami, *You are Hollow, And So Am I*, 2015. Acrylic on canvas mounted on aluminum frame, 170 x 144.7 cm. ©2015 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy Galerie Perrotin

A wide pillar that could not be removed was made into a central symbol, with its longer sides used for exhibitions.  The pillar forms part of the building’s structure, with its presence showcasing the inseparable relationship between Soph and Roppongi Hills.

Nobuo Araki – The Archetype, Soph. Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, 2016. Artwork: Takashi Murakami, You are Hollow, And So Am I, 2015. Acrylic on canvas mounted on aluminum frame, 170 x 144.7 cm. ©2015 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy Galerie Perrotin

Soph. Roppongi Hills, Tokyo
Program: retail
Architect: Nobuo Araki – The Archetype
Contractor: Kosakusha
Area: 116 smq
Completion: 2016

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Soph. Roppongi Hills

Designed by the Tokyo-based architect Nobuo Araki – The Archetype, Soph. Roppongi Hills creates a sense of openness and allow natural light to enter the space.

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