Azabudai Hills by Heatherwick Studio

_project: Azabudai Hills
_architecture: Heatherwick Studio 
_location: Tokyo, Japan

In the heart of Tokyo, where urban density and rapid development define the skyline, a new vision for urban living has taken shape. Azabudai Hills, designed by Heatherwick Studio, redefines the connection between architecture, human experience, and sustainability. By focusing on integrating large-scale design with spaces that feel personal and inviting, the project challenges traditional ideas of urban development, creating a district that feels both expansive and closely tied to its surroundings.

From the project’s beginning, Heatherwick Studio avoided imposing a single, dominating structure on the site. “We were fueled by the idea from the start that we were not developing a ‘design’ but a ‘system’,” the architects explained. The studio’s approach involved blending the development into Tokyo’s existing urban landscape. Instead of creating a fortress-like podium - a common feature in many mixed-use developments - they embraced Tokyo’s mix of old and new, designing a variety of architectural experiences. The result is a three-dimensional landscape that reflects the city’s unique character while fostering connections through smaller, human-scaled interactions.

A defining feature of the project is its extensive use of green spaces, covering 2.4 hectares of the site. Addressing both regulatory requirements and a broader commitment to sustainability, the architects created immersive landscapes that enhance the site’s natural terrain. “We pulled the structural grid up three-dimensionally to create a variety of landscape experiences, from cascading terraces to undulating hillsides,” the architects shared. This innovative “net” structure not only supports biodiversity but also promotes wellness and relaxation, offering residents and visitors pocket parks, rooftop gardens, and sheltered courtyards.

Sustainability is integrated throughout the project. Certified Platinum for LEED Neighborhood Development, Azabudai Hills includes AI-controlled district heating, sewage heat recovery, and rainwater harvesting. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the project demonstrates how design can align with environmental goals while improving urban life. “We’ve seen unexpected wild plant species take root, and the increase in biodiversity has brought insects and birds back to the city,” the studio noted, highlighting the regenerative potential of urban green spaces.

Heatherwick Studio’s approach of balancing creativity with practicality is evident throughout Azabudai Hills. “For too long, we’ve believed that form follows function. But emotion is also a function,” the architects emphasized. By prioritizing human experience and collaborating with local craftspeople, the studio achieved a design that is as functional as it is inspiring.

_article written by Daniela Moreira da Silva
_film by Heatherwick Studio
_film curatorship: Architecture Hunter 
_cover and image scroll by Raquel Diniz