Tokyo Tower Top Deck: A Mirrored Masterpiece

Revolutionizing Observation Decks with KAZ Shirane's Innovative Design

The concept of the Tokyo Tower Top Deck is rooted in the intersection of interior design and art. Shirane's design breathes new life into the circular observation deck, located 250 meters above sea level, by covering the entire space with mirrors. This creates an ambiguous space that changes with every movement of the visitors and the scenery of Tokyo, ensuring that the same design never appears twice.

Inspired by the idea that architecture and interior design have traditionally been used to represent wealth and political authority, Shirane sought to create a space that focuses on the visitors. His design allows people to see a landscape of Tokyo that is constantly changing towards the future, continuously reflected in a space whose ceiling is fully covered with mirrors.

The project, which began in September 2016 and was completed in March 2018, faced several challenges due to the small space and the age of the tower. However, through the use of 3D space scanning and digital fabrication, Shirane was able to create a virtual space on the computer to control all components in the space.

Shirane's design is not only visually stunning but also serves a deeper purpose. By contrasting oneself reflected on the multifaceted mirror from different angles with the fluid living organism called Tokyo, this space enables a visitor to view his/her “true self” in the mirror for the first time. Even while letting people genuinely enjoy the space, Shirane's secret hope is for this work to create a place to reveal one's true self, and to view our times more critically.

With its unique properties and innovative realization technology, the Tokyo Tower Top Deck stands as a testament to KAZ Shirane's creative genius and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional architecture and interior design. It is a shining example of how design can be used to create interactive spaces that engage and inspire visitors.