Shibuya Tsutaya Kommerzielle Komplex by Tonerico:Inc.

Shibuya Tsutaya Kommerzielle Komplex by Tonerico:Inc. is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award an Sëlwer in Inneraum an Ausstellungsdesign Competition Category.

SëlwerInterieur· 2026

Shibuya Tsutaya Kommerzielle Komplex

by Tonerico:Inc.

A' Design Award an Sëlwer Winner in Interieur Category

19,601

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #174328

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Shibuya Tsutaya Kommerzielle Komplex

De Shibuya Tsutaya ass e kommerzielle Komplex um Shibuya Crossing zu Tokio. D'Gebai gouf bis op säi strukturelle Skelett zréckgebaut, an déi nackt Raim goufen a groe Materialien vereenheetlecht, fir eng neutral Lénggwand ze bilden. All eenzelnen vun deenen zwee Ënnergeschosser an de siwen Uewergeschosser huet säin eegene Charakter, mä all Beräich gouf bewosst onfäerdeg gelooss, fir zukünfteg Verännerungen ze erméiglechen. Net-essentiell Elementer goufen ewechgeholl, fir kloer Siichtlinnen an eng einfach Zirkulatioun ze schafen. Ongeféier 500 Sëtzplazen an digital Wee-Weiser stinn de Besucher zur Verfügung, an e grousse Bildschierm op der Fassad weist Neiegkeeten an Informatiounen iwwer Evenementer.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award an Sëlwer

Shibuya Tsutaya Kommerzielle Komplex ass e Gewënner vum A' Design Award an Sëlwer, enger aussergewéinlech prestigiéiser Unerkennung, déi un Designe vun der héchster Qualitéit, prächteg a beandrockend vergi gëtt. Sëlwer-Gewënner si bemierkenswäert brillant a ganz kreativ Wierker, déi d'erausragend Expertise, d'Talent an d'Schaarfsënnegkeet vun hire Designer weisen. Et gëtt erwaart, datt Shibuya Tsutaya Kommerzielle Komplex e wonnerbart, mustergëlteg, bemierkenswäert professionellt an déif innovatiivt Wierk ass. Dëst mam Sëlwer ausgezeechent Design ass eng bemierkenswäert, bewonnert Erfindung, déi dozou bäidréit, d'Grenze vun der Konscht, der Wëssenschaft, vum Design an der Technologie ze erweideren. Shibuya Tsutaya Kommerzielle Komplex ass eng Kreatioun, op déi vill neidesch sinn, déi Wënsch erweckt, positiv Gefiller bréngt an Erstaunen a Wonner erweckt.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Shibuya TSUTAYA was stripped down to its structural skeleton, with the raw space unified in gray materials to create contrast with later-added elements and to preserve an “unfinished” canvas throughout the building.
While each floor maintains its unique character, no area is ever fully designed—each is intentionally left open-ended. This deliberate unfinished incompleteness suggests the potential for future transformation.
Dimensions & Packaging: On the first floor, the entrance was widened by adjusting the angle of the sash doors, and a secondary entrance was added on the Center-Gai shopping street side along the diagonal axis.
To accommodate the building's complex layout, comprising two basement levels and seven floors above ground, and its reliance on escalators for vertical circulation, all non-essential elements beyond regulatory requirements were removed to create a clear, connected spatial flow with uninterrupted sightlines.
Tags: Shibuya, TSUTAYA, Renewal, Unfinished Space, Skeletonization, Flexible Space, Commercial Facility, Visual Connectivity, Dynamic Design, Evolving City
Production Technology: To maximize the floor area on every level, the core zones—including back-of-house spaces—were organized so that, even in their bare state, they serve as a neutral spatial backdrop.
Alongside this structural skeletonization, the bare spaces were unified with gray materials to distinguish them from the elements inserted later, intentionally leaving a gray “canvas” throughout the space.
Design Challenge: Since visitors come from diverse countries and regions, the circulation plan needed to be intuitive and encourage proactive movement.
Additionally, to facilitate information access within the facility, strategically placed digital directories provide updates using minimal text and strong visuals—benefiting users while also easing operational demands.
Research: Shibuya is a town where people from many different countries, regions, and generations come and go. Therefore, we conducted thorough research on the surrounding area. We surveyed people in the town to learn what they currently need and what is lacking, and we reflected these findings in the floor layout. For example, many respondents noted a lack of places to rest, so we decided to include approximately 500 seats in the facility.
Inspiration: Shibuya is a hub of creative energy—constantly evolving, and defined by its openness to change and its allure as an unfinished city. This nature inspired the project’s core concept: “leaving space unfinished.”
The concept took years to develop, beginning with a full structural reset to explore the site's potential. Located directly at Shibuya Crossing, the design reimagines how the space can respond to the present moment and act as a new cultural platform.
Project Duration: The project was launched in Tokyo on March 5, 2021, and opened in Shibuya, Tokyo on April 25, 2024.
Operation Flow: Situated at the iconic Shibuya Crossing—where approximately 500,000 people pass daily—the building’s façade features a large LED screen designed for visibility from multiple angles.
This screen continually broadcasts not only in-house event updates but also news and timely advertisements, transforming the architecture into a dynamic hub that connects the city, its people, and businesses.
Team Members: Hiroshi Yoneya
Ken Kimizuka
Kai Kitahara
Momo Suzuki
Image Credits: Main Image: Photographer Nacása & Partners Inc., SHIBUYA TSUTAYA, 2024.
Image #1: Photographer Nacása & Partners Inc., SHIBUYA TSUTAYA, 2024.
Image #2: Photographer Nacása & Partners Inc., SHIBUYA TSUTAYA, 2024.
Image #3: Photographer Nacása & Partners Inc., SHIBUYA TSUTAYA, 2024.
Image #4: Photographer Nacása & Partners Inc., SHIBUYA TSUTAYA, 2024.