URBAN DOCK LALAPORT TOYOSU

In the early 16th century, amid the onset of Europe’s Age of Exploration, when geographical understanding was still nascent, global expansion began. Fast forward to the 21st century, Tokyo’s Toyosu district, once a bustling shipyard, now evolves into a site symbolizing new discoveries. This transformation views the entire landscape as a metaphorical sea, with passersby cast as voyagers. Originally reclaimed from two former docks, this area blends “green,” “water,” and “earth” into overlapping waves. Cafés, art museums, and FM stations serve as metaphorical “islands,” while white benches adorned with foam and coral motifs float atop the waves. Here, voyagers navigate freely, surrendering to currents or steering with resolve, encountering new discoveries and connections. The site’s panoramic view of Tokyo Bay, its historical significance as a former shipyard, and its position in the burgeoning Toyosu community all contribute to a multifaceted project. This initiative aims to foster encounters and discoveries at various levels: discovering new lifestyles, rediscovering Tokyo’s essence, and uncovering personal havens. The landscape itself serves as a catalyst for exploration and meaningful interactions at every turn.