Main Elevations of the Buildings
Location Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Design November 2022 - November 2023
Construction August 2024 - January 2026
Structure Reinforced Concrete Structure
Thirty years after its original completion, this project constitutes a comprehensive renovation of the Embassy and Ambassador’s Residence of the United Arab Emirates, located in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Situated within a district distinguished by a high concentration of diplomatic missions and cultural institutions, the project aimed not only to upgrade the embassy’s architectural, environmental, and operational performance, but also to establish a clear architectural presence within its surroundings.
The original porcelain tile finish was replaced with sandstone cladding inspiring by the desert landscapes of the UAE. Large-format stone panels, together with carefully coordinated color palette, enhance the building’s architectural clarity and reinforce its symbolic presence in the urban context.
In front of the vertical window openings facing the parking plaza, laser-cut aluminum panels featuring traditional Mashrabiya patterns were installed. Mashrabiya motifs, widely recognized across the Islamic world, are defined by intricate lattice compositions generated through geometric repetition and symmetry. Beyond their ornamental significance, these panels provide effective solar shading and visual screening. At night, integrated lighting gently illuminates the patterns, creating a distinct nighttime identity.
Responding sensitively to the surrounding urban fabric, the renovated Embassy and Ambassador’s Residence has been redefined as an architectural embodiment of prestige, cultural identity, and diplomatic presence.
Embassy Entrance
Japanese-Style Garden
Courtyard at Night
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