Azabudai Hills: A New Urban Vision

When: Saturday 26 April 2025 @ 16:00-20:00 (Japan Standard Time)
Where: Azabudai Hills, Tokyo

Cost: Free of charge for all (including AIA and non-AIA members)

We have a choice of programs on offer:

Program 1 - Azabudai Hills Tour (Limited to 120 people)

Please note that the number of participants may be reduced depending on crowd conditions during the weekend.

Tour Group Division

The tour will be divided into groups of 20 participants each, as follows:

• Development & Design Tour (Japanese & English) – Led by Mori Building
• Technical Tour (Japanese & English) – Led by North Glass

Communication During the Tour

To enhance the experience, we recommend using the Zello app, which allows participants to listen to live commentary from the guide.

Download Links:

• iOS: https://zello.com/downloads/ios/
• Android: https://zello.com/downloads/android/

Setup Instructions:

• Download and install the app in advance.
• Register as a user and join the designated tour channel (details to be provided).
• Use earphones for better audio clarity.

Safety & Conduct

• Follow the Guide’s Instructions: To ensure a smooth experience, please stay with the group and follow directions at all times. As weekends are typically crowded, maintaining group cohesion is essential. Depending on the number of visitors on the day of the tour, we may need to limit the number of participants.
• Respect the Venue: Please avoid touching displays or entering restricted areas.
• Photography & Recording: Allowed unless otherwise specified by the guide.

Program 2 - Panel Presentation & Social Gathering (Limited to 120 people)

You may choose to participate in one or both activities. The number of participants is limited for each program and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participants will be split into English-speaking and Japanese-speaking groups for a guided tour led by Midori Omori, Executive at Mori Building, alongside her team and Paul Gao, CEO at North Glass, alongside his team.

Following this, a panel presentation and discussion will be held, featuring Naomi Sato, the current President of the Japan Institute of Architects, who will present on the Tokyo International Forum. Kenzo Nakakoji from Mori Building will provide insights into Azabudai Hills, showcasing the latest developments in Tokyo from the developer's perspective. Additionally, the CEO of North Glass will offer a technical viewpoint on the project. After the presentations, there will be a panel discussion where each speaker will delve deeper into their respective projects and share further insights. The event will conclude with a two-hour social gathering at Hills House, offering ample time for networking and interaction, along with food and beverages.

Presenters:

JIA President Naomi Sato

Mori Building Executive Midori Omori

Mori Building Project Planning & Design Manager Kenzo Nakakoji

North Glass CEO Paul Gao

Host: AIA International Vice President / President Elect Segene Park

Moderator: AIA International Adjunct Director / Silas Chiow

Program 1: Azabudai Hills Tour

Gathering Location: Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, Ground Lobby

1 Chome-3-1 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041

www.azabudai-hills.com

16:00: Tour in English & Japanese (60 minutes)

• Hosted by Mori Building and North Glass, featuring Mori Building Executive Midori Omori and North Glass CEO Paul Gao.
• Participants will be divided into English-speaking and Japanese-speaking groups.
• Each group will be required to download a smartphone application (further details will be shared later).

Program 2: Panel Presentation & Social Gathering

Gathering Location: Hills Tower Plaza 4F, 33rd Floor

www.hillshouse.jp

17:00: Panel Presentation in English (45 minutes), featuring:

• Tokyo International Forum (AIA Award-winning project) – Presented by JIA President Naomi Sato.
• Azabudai Hills – Presented by Mori Building Kenzo Nakakoji.
• Latest glass façade technology – Presented by Paul Gao, CEO of North Glass, and a specialist in glass manufacturing engineering.

17:30: Panel Discussion in English (15 minutes). The session will conclude with a brief discussion of:

• Their projects.
• Glass façade innovations.
• Emerging trends and technologies.
• Design aspects.

18:00: Social Gathering at Hills House (120 minutes)

• Takes place after the panel presentation.
• Hosted at Hills House on the 33rd floor.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, 1 Chome-3-1 Azabudai, Minato City, Japan