The Harajuku Quest, designed by Shohei Shigematsu and OMA New York, is set to become a new commercial and cultural hub in Tokyo’s Harajuku Ward. Strategically located between Omotesando and Ohara juku, this project marks the latest phase of NTT’s “With Harajuku” initiative—a broader urban development plan aimed at boosting local foot traffic through a series of plazas and commercial zones. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the Harajuku Quest aims to draw visitors from both Omotesando and Ohara, connecting these two vibrant areas for the first time.
Omotesando is characterized by a distinct urban fabric featuring a central axis avenue flanked by winding, non-linear streets. Its wide sidewalks lined with beech trees and an array of upscale commercial establishments, including flagship stores of renowned brands, define this city corridor. The growing demand for retail brand expansion has driven rapid growth in building scale throughout the area.
Just north of Omotesando’s main corridor lies Aohara Suyu, offering a more intimate, village-like urban experience. With organic street layouts, human-scale buildings, and independent shops, this area has nurtured a unique youth culture and creative movement over the past decades, earning global recognition for its significant influence on street fashion.
The new building skillfully addresses these contrasting environments by forming a unified volume that adapts to the distinct characteristics of each side while complying with local zoning laws. Facing Omotesando, the facade offers a sculptural expression through dynamic squeezing and stretching forms. On the Ohara side, the design incorporates stepped-back terraces that create a more welcoming, habitable frontage. This approach reduces the building’s perceived mass while allowing open spaces and public projects to extend toward Harajuku.
The fusion of Omotesando and Aohara juku reflects the dual nature of Tokyo’s urban fabric as well as its vibrant fashion and retail culture. The new building bridges these two neighborhoods, embodying two distinct stories—much like two sides of a coin connected by a fresh public corridor. Harajuku Quest serves not only as the visual and functional intersection of Omotesando and Ohara, but also as a unique destination where visitors can experience global fashion alongside local culture. — Chongsong Changping, OMA Partner
Internationally acclaimed architectural firm OMA recently revealed their design proposal for the Discovery Partners Institute headquarters in Chicago. Led by partner Changping Shigematsu in collaboration with Jacobs, the project showcases the firm’s innovative approach. Additionally, OMA is spearheading an adaptive reuse project in Detroit, converting a former bakery and warehouse into a mixed-use facility for art, education, and community engagement.
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