Renzo Piano Architecture

Photo from 2020 after the demolishment of the old Sony Building
Photo from 2020 after the demolishment of the old Sony Building

Renzo Piano

Born: September 14th, 1937

 

Winner of 1998 Pritzker Prize

 

The Italian architect designed the Maison Hermes (2001) in the Ginza district of central Tokyo.

13,000 pieces of glass panels with a measurement of 45 by 45 centimeters is used on the facade.

The completion of the Ginza Sony Park next door means that the full view of the building from the street level is somewhat difficult. However you can go to the rooftop of the Sony Park and get a clear view of the building.

The designs also seem to compliment each other, something that is very rare in Japan where there often seem little care in usage of color or design.

 

 

Current street view with the new Ginza Sony Park in foreground
Current street view with the new Ginza Sony Park in foreground
View from rooftop of Ginza Sony Park. Notice there is a sign welcoming Sony back to Ginza!
View from rooftop of Ginza Sony Park. Notice there is a sign welcoming Sony back to Ginza!

Outside of Tokyo, Renzo Piano also designed the terminal building for the Kansai International Airport in 1994.

 

Upcoming: Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance New HQ (2028?)

In a statement announced on September 2021, Renzo Piano Building Workshop will work with the Mitsubishi Real Estate Company on rebuilding the office building in Tokyo's Marunouchi district. The 19 story building will be unique for the use of wood, supposedly becoming one of the tallest wooden structure in the world when complete.