The busy urban streetscape of Osaka welcomes concrete’s latest interior project: W’s first hotel in Japan. With a total of 337 guest rooms and suites, W Osaka asserts its presence with a 27-story high-rise building by Nikken and a black monolith facade designed by Tadao Ando. Created for Sekisui House and Marriott International, and in collaboration with Nikken and Nikken Space Design, the building is due to open in March 2021.
Concrete’s team of Dutch designers explored Osaka’s past, present, and future, its urban and natural landscapes, and its fascinating culture. Visually, they discovered that Osaka is not only about water and nature – but also neon and bright colors. The team was struck by the contrast between the aesthetic of Japanese minimalism and the extravagance of an urban world saturated with colors, especially in downtown Osaka and Dotonbori – Osaka’s nightlife district – where the display of flashing neon is breathtakingly vivid and joyful. The goal is to share the spirit of the city with the guests of W Osaka and let the interior of the hotel tell a story that is truly Osaka.
The sprawling metropolis of Osaka was once the imperial capital of Japan and the country’s economic hub. At its heart, the wide Yodo River flows into a harbor bustling with trade. Throughout its history, visitors contributed their cultures and technologies to the city – creating a prosperous port with an extroverted, lively and somewhat rebellious culture. All of this energy attracts international businesses and visitors. Concrete’s team of Dutch designers explored Osaka’s past, present and future, its urban and natural landscapes, and its fascinating culture.
Photo credits: Concrete, W Osaka
