An accidental visit to Roppongi Hills
Comments: 9
I found myself close to Roppongi Hills this afternoon with some time to kill and decided to approach the monolith — tentatively — and have a look at the place. I’d never been there before (I’m still not sure I can say I’ve been there) although it’s nothing in particular that’s been keeping me away.
You know, for a big sprawling ostentatious Disney-fied toon-town extravaganza of architectural pastiche, it’s not nearly as bad as I thought it would be! I’ll certainly be going back for a closer look.
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Posted to Architecture • 2004.06.22 (Tue) • 23:54
Comments
Posted by Ando 2004.06.23, 09:28
While it looks cool from the outside, IMHO it’s a pain to navigate around the complex. It seems specifically designed as a place to get lost in, so you spend all your money between the LV bag you came for (they don’t pay rent) and Starbucks (because you’ll be thirsty walking around to find an exit). Also, the main area where people congregate near the sculpture tends to be incredibly windy. Not to mention those wonderful 2.5 ton revolving doors that are no longer in use. It’s definitely worth a trip from time to time; if only to remind you why you don’t go there often.
Posted by Carsten 2004.06.23, 12:26
It IS a pain to navigate and I’m always reminded of walking around an airport, minus the duty-free shops. But my opinion of Roppongi Hills completely changed once I visited the City View on one of the top floors - go there for a different perspective on both Tokyo and Roppongi Hills. Mori Arts Center is also worth a visit.
Posted by colm 2004.06.23, 22:13
MOMA (Museum Of Mondern Art) exhibition from New York is there at the moment up on the 52nd floor - well worth a visit. But apart from that I don’t like the building itself or what it represents.
Posted by Joerg Schaum 2004.06.24, 10:19
Yes, I’m always impressed when I see this monolith. I’ve been there a few times, but never went in there yet. Can remember how this place looked before.
Posted by Don 2004.06.27, 18:50
An interesting architectural feature of Roppongi Hills is the Roppongi Hills Arena. It features powerful outdoor speakers, and is right across the street from some older housing. The sound pollution is murder on the residents. Mori Building is aware of the problem, but they don’t care. Check this out if you go there again. The building most affected is sitting at the top of an embankment across the street from the Arena. From the area around the Arena stage, it is visible. The path from the speakers to the building is an unobstructed line. The sound pollution is truly awesome, and a number of residents have moved out. Be glad you don’t live near Roppongi Hills.
Posted by Owen 2004.06.29, 23:39
It’s great to hear opinions and see photographs like this, having scored a job there. I’m looking forward to the change from Melbourne to Tokyo.
Posted by David Kaspar 2004.07.01, 01:20
Is it just me or does the tiny bit lighter wall behind the man’s head indicate some digital dodging/burning occured?
:-)
Gorgeous perspective by the way!
Posted by jh 2004.07.01, 07:29
David —- It looks like it, but that’s actually one part of the photo that wasn’t touched! It came out of the camera that way.
Posted by sascha of H1DD3N.R350URC3 2004.07.09, 12:40
Isn’t it the building with the children traps installed? (You know! The rotating doors! ;)
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