The CallisonRTKL-designed Lalaport Tachikawa Tachihi, a 154,000sqm shopping center has opened just west of Tokyo’s CBD.
It marks the first regional shopping centre in the West Tokyo district and incorporates some 250 retail stores with much needed public spaces.
It has a direct connection to the Tachihi monorail station via a newly constructed bridge. Developed in partnership with Mitsui Fudosan Co and Tachihi Enterprise Co, the center’s retail tenants range from mid-level to high-end brands and the development features outdoor terraces and plazas accompanied by abundant landscaping and views of Mount Fuji.
“For Lalaport Tachikawa Tachihi, we were focused on designing for the consumer in a time where shopping centers are about more than transactions,” said Mark Lauterbach, VP, CallisonRTKL.
“To be an effective change agent economically, socially and environmentally, and to honor the area’s heritage, we incorporated a variety of spaces capable of supporting a wide range of cultural and recreational activities that complement the retail offerings.”
To create a welcoming destination for the community, CallisonRTKL crafted a design concept based on celebrating the connections between land and sky. Upon exiting the Tachihi monorail station, visitors are greeted by Sky View Plaza, a relaxing, recreational space featuring dining options and lush gardens.
Inside, Horizon Circle features a large terrarium – the first of its kind in an indoor shopping mall – with a tree growing in the centre, drawing the eye upward through the centre’s multi-level interior to the skylight above.
The wing of the mall that intersects Horizon Circle, dubbed Eco Park, reinforces the focus on bringing the outdoors in: a warm wood feature ceiling with chrome patterning and metallic accents is accompanied by soft cove lighting, creating a cloud-like effect and adding texture and reflection to the space, and on the ground, natural wood bulkheads and green paving accents are complemented by seating in shades of blue.
In addition to the diverse retail tenant mix, the food court options offer a mix of local gourmet vendors and trendy culinary offerings, and family-friendly services and activities abound.
“Our intent with the design scheme for the interiors and the unique blend of amenities was to create a bright, hospitable new civic living room for residents and visitors,” said Lori Mukoyama, VP, CallisonRTKL.
“We were captivated by the vision that our clients laid out for encouraging holistic growth in West Tokyo and delivering on their renewed promise to community development, and we look forward to seeing Lalaport Tachikawa Tachihi become a valued and cherished community asset.”
