Tokyo, Japan
Thomas Heatherwick’s British School in Tokyo is the architect’s first-ever school building formed by a series of cascading terraces, creating open balconies and variety along the elevation.
The project is part of the Azabudai Hills development and it is rapidly taking shape in the center of the Japanese capital.
To take full advantage of the local climate, there is a continuous flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Lessons can take place while surrounded by nature, with students and teachers also able to care for the planted gardens and playgrounds that feature across eight levels.
The idea is to create a place that allows people to interact much more freely than in a traditional school environment.
The façade, with its subtle patterns, is inspired by the historic Azabudai Post Office.
According to project leader Michael Lewis: “The old building is remarkable as one of Tokyo’s few surviving pre-war structures, and while not protected, held a special place in the heart of local residents.
“The warm-hued ceramic tiles which clad the school were created by a local manufacturer to evoke the color of the old post office’s tiles. Their imperfections add texture to the building and are a clear connection to the district’s past.”
The British School in Tokyo will be the largest international school in the city with the ability to host 800 students.
As well as classrooms, it has two libraries, a suite of music and art studios, a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics center, two sports pitches, a dance studio, a sports hall, and an indoor swimming pool.
The studio was asked to consider how the development connects to the urban fabric, focusing on the public realm, lower-level podium architecture, and landscaping.
Expected to open in August 2023, it is estimated that 30 million people will visit the area each year.
Project: British School in Tokyo
Architects: Heatherwick Studio
Lead Architect: Thomas Heatherwick
Project Leader: Michael Lewis
Clients: Toranomon-Azabudai District Urban Redevelopment Association, Mori Building Co., Ltd., and Japan Post Holdings
Photographs: Courtesy of Heatherwick Studio
