Daikanyama T-Site Tsutaya Book Store

A new third space has opened up in Tokyo which breaks the mould of anything on offer at the moment in the city. Named “DAIKANYAMA T-SITE” the location is exceptionally well designed and features shops, a lounge bar-restaurant, and a large Tsutaya (book shop and media rental company) that pulls all the components in together. Apart from being an amazing space in itself however, the entire complex goes against the majority of current models as it pushes print over digital, rents movies over the counter and is focused on attracting what they describe as a Premium Age demographic made up of those 50 and over.

Designed by Klein Dytham, the same architects behind Shiseido the Ginza, the architects managed to win the project against 70 others who pitched. After being whittled down to a final eleven featuring an all star list of architects in Japan including Kengo Kuma and Atelier Bow-Wow amongst others, Klein Dytham won the contract through their T-themed design. The three central buildings all feature the T-shape and the building cladding itself made up of tessellated Ts, all representing the Tsutaya brand that is the center piece of the entire complex.

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