Tucked within Tokyo Shibuya’s bustling core, Suppose Design Office reimagines the Shibuya City Botanical Garden as an intimate, layered sanctuary that intertwines architecture with nature's vitality.
The garden uses elevated platforms and layered terraces to create depth and intrigue. The design fosters a seamless dialogue between built elements and the natural world, transforming a compact footprint into a sensory experience.
The first floor greets visitors with a fragrant collection of citrus and tropical fruit trees, including yuzu, finger lime, and mango. The arrangement feels deliberate, encouraging reflection on seasonal and geographic variety. The sensory immersion of sight and scent creates an immediate escape from the city.
The second floor is home to a café and library—a thoughtful pairing for moments of respite. Guests sip coffee by day or botanical-infused cocktails by night, while the library offers a quiet space for reflection. The design invites lingering, a rare luxury in the fast-paced rhythms of Tokyo.
On the third floor, a gallery space serves as a flexible venue for film screenings, exhibitions, and community events. With its openness to the garden below and sky above, it bridges architecture and nature, enhancing the structure’s sense of fluidity.
Suppose Design Office approaches the design with restraint, using raw materials and soft textures to complement the greenery. The architecture supports, rather than dominates, allowing the natural elements to shine. The result is a mindful, balanced space that feels both grounded and ethereal. In a city where green spaces are rare, this redesign is a vital reminder of the impact of small interventions.
