Project Profile: Takanawa Gateway Station (New Shinagawa Station), Tokyo

The Takanawa Gateway Station project represents a significant urban and transport redevelopment on Tokyo’s critical JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines. Now fully operational, the station integrates innovative architectural principles from architect Kengo Kuma with advanced sustainable technologies, serving as a catalyst for the large-scale regeneration of the surrounding Shinagawa district.

Technical Specifications

Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, Takanawa Gateway Station’s design is inspired by traditional Japanese origami. The station building has a gross floor area of 2,400 m² within a larger 7,600 m² complex, rising 30 meters with three above-ground floors and one subterranean level. The structure features a large-span roof constructed from steel frames and wood laminated timber, covered by a translucent, heat-mitigating Teflon membrane. This roof design, combined with extensive glass facades, maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the 1,000 m² central atrium and concourse, significantly reducing energy demands for lighting and HVAC systems.

The station is configured with two island platforms serving four tracks, engineered to manage high passenger volumes on the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines. Passenger circulation is facilitated by eight escalators and six elevators, ensuring full accessibility. Sustainability is a core engineering principle, with integrated solar panels and a small-scale wind power generator supplementing the station’s energy needs. The 4,000 m² roof incorporates film with high solar reflectance to minimize thermal gain, further enhancing its environmental performance.

Key Takeaways

• Urban Regeneration Catalyst: The station is the anchor for the 13-hectare “Global Gateway Shinagawa” redevelopment, transforming a former railyard into a major commercial and R&D hub designated as a Special Zone for Asian Headquarters.
• Benchmark for Sustainable Infrastructure: It sets a new standard for transport architecture by integrating passive design strategies, renewable energy generation (solar and wind), and advanced materials to minimize its environmental footprint.
• Enhanced Network Connectivity: Strategically positioned on Tokyo’s busiest commuter rail loops, the station optimizes passenger flow, reduces congestion at adjacent hubs, and improves access to key destinations like Haneda Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the new Takanawa Gateway Station open?

Takanawa Gateway Station commenced provisional operations in March 2020 to serve the Tokyo Olympics. It became fully operational in 2024, in coordination with the phased opening of the surrounding urban development.

Who designed and built Takanawa Gateway Station?

The station’s distinctive architecture was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The primary construction was executed by a joint venture of two leading Japanese contractors: Ohbayashi Corporation and Iron Building Company.