Epicenter Tokyo

Epicenter Tokyo – home to the Prada fashion house in the heart of the Aoyama shopping quarter since 2003 – is one of the most distinctive buildings in the Japanese capital.

Designed by architect Herzog & de Meuron, the six-storey building houses retail floors, lounges and event spaces. As both a stunning display window and striking design in its own right, the Epicenter is a perfect reflection of the luxury brand’s quality and style.

Brands: Gartner, Permasteelisa Gartner Retail

Design architect: Herzog & de Meuron

Associate architect: Takenaka Corporation

Owner: Prada Japan

The project

The concept

The Epicenter has an irregularly shaped, five-corner ground plan, with differently pitched roof slopes. The aluminium mullion/transom system structure is fastened to a steel bearing framework that also runs diagonally on the building’s side. The entire outer skin is composed of rhombus-shaped glass panes.

What did we do?

Our team designed, engineered, manufactured and installed a total façade area of 2,320 sqm. The glass panes were fitted with even-plan sealing using the vario-system to take account of possible movements due to earthquakes, and the façade incorporates electrically operated smoke extraction vents and fire escape windows. We also supplied fully glazed entrance systems in rhombus-shaped, fireproof sections.