Mitsubishi Jisho Design In-House Award 2025 Winners Announced!

[Best Work Award] [Employee Choice Award]
Hirooka Terrace

This 13-story tenant office building (photo right) does not feature the typical "large private area + small shared area" structure, but instead aims to be "a place where people can gather and collaborate in spacious shared areas." It shares functions with the adjacent Hokkoku Bank Head Office Building Office Building (photo left, designed by our company) via a bridge, and the shared areas inside and outside the building are designed to foster diverse work styles and interactions. The outer terrace, available to all tenants, is continuous not only horizontally but also vertically via staircases and atriums. The placement of jalousie windows, louvers, and other features was optimized based on thermal and wind environment simulations to create a comfortable environment. By utilizing local resources and maximizing energy generation, it achieved the first Nearly ZEB certification for a building of its size in Japan, as well as the highest BELS rating.
The design intent was clearly expressed and the project was highly praised for being unique to this region.

[Project introduction page here]

[Excellent Work Award]
Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo

This lifestyle hotel is located in Kabutocho, the historic financial district. By using the right structural materials in the right places and precisely controlling the flow of force, we have achieved a rare hybrid wooden structure for a mid- to high-rise hotel. By concentrating guest rooms on the north and south sides, with a central core made of steel and outer perimeter columns and beams made of wood, we address issues such as differential settlement due to creep over time in the wooden columns and the wood being hidden by fire-resistant cladding. Exposed wooden studs and fire-resistant wood components are used to meet the fire resistance requirements of each floor, while column widths are uniform, creating a dignified wooden structural frame facing the city. The lowest floor features details that allow for lift during an earthquake, maximizing the compressive resistance of wood. The exposed wooden columns and beams, along with the wooden ceilings made of domestic cedar planks, create guest rooms that naturally evoke the beauty of the structure and the texture of the materials.
Among the wooden construction and wood-based construction projects being implemented by various companies, this project was recognized as a unique and technologically advanced initiative.

[Project introduction page here]

[Excellent Work Award]
BANK OF THE RYUKYUS Headquarters Building

This project architecturally reinterprets Naha's climate, culture, and lighting environment while passing on the history of regional finance to the next generation. It transformed a small block into a larger one by using abandoned city roads, ensuring a station plaza and pedestrian circulation, and consolidating the head office and headquarters functions, which had been facing issues of aging and functional dispersion. A hotel will be built on the upper floors, combining the functions of "finance" and "accommodation," fostering a sustainable urban vitality. The perforated PC louvers on facade, a re-creation of the "amahaji" (rain edge) seen in traditional Okinawan houses, block direct sunlight while bringing gentle brightness into the interior. The deep eaves protect the building from sunlight and rain while also functioning as a maintenance space. The eaves on the lower floors create a public, semi-outdoor space open to the town.
In addition to being a long-term project, the project was praised for its pursuit of a new form of modern bank architecture.

* Mitsubishi Jisho Design and Kokuken Design Collaboration

 [Project introduction page here]

[President's Award]
Hokkoku Bank, Toyama Branch

A bank branch facing a major street in the center of Toyama City. The floor plan of each floor is shifted north to south, and the eaves and sleeve walls are designed in a pleated pattern inspired by the townhouses of the region, allowing the openings to face different directions on each floor, creating a structure in which the bank's activities are visible in multiple directions in the town.
By concentrating the structure and equipment around the eaves and sleeve walls, we created a "blank" space where people can gather. A large eaves that continues from the sleeve walls was installed on the road side in front, drawing the eaves of the storefront into the interior, creating a natural connection with the town. The pleated facade also contributes to environmental control, reducing direct solar radiation, and the adoption of solar panels on the shed roof and high-efficiency air conditioning equipment has made it possible to achieve Nearly ZEB. This project has updated an urban financial institution, which tends to be closed off due to various restrictions, into one that is open to the town.
The project was highly praised for its proactive approach, which is unique to small-scale projects, while also adapting to the cold climate.

[Special Award]
Keio University Fujiyama Memorial Hall Renovation Project

The Fujiyama Memorial Library was donated by alumni in 1957. Taking advantage of the good condition of the existing structure, it was renovated into a facility for interaction where students can have both a place to express their activities and a place to feel free. Making use of the unique characteristics of the existing school building, which has a continuous split floor, a large staircase was added in the center to strengthen the connection between the upper and lower levels, and the seismic walls were rearranged to remove the partition walls, creating a horizontal expanse. The entire building is gently continuous.
While limiting the scope of the renovation by leaving as much of the ceilings and fixtures as possible, we proactively proposed adding elevators and barrier-free toilets to create an inclusive environment. Throughout the process from design to operation, we engaged in extensive dialogue with current students, alumni, and faculty, aiming for a design that would be loved for a long time and connect to the school's history.
In addition to the integrated proposal of design and engineering, the consideration of ZEB development was highly praised.

[Best Picture]
Kinden Toyosu Building

The headquarters building was planned in an integrated manner with the adjacent Toyosu Sail Park. Planned development based on urban planning techniques has enabled the creation of greenways and decks that enhance circulation, which would not be possible with standalone development, thereby enhancing the convenience and appeal of the surrounding environment. The building's outer frame structure eliminates columns in the office spaces, and the eaves reduce solar heat load. The interior design is based on this outer frame motif, with the "grid" design seen in the plastered wall at the office entrance and the lighting wall, among other things, serving as the icon for the entire building. Furthermore, the office spaces incorporate future-oriented technology, such as image sensors for lighting and air conditioning control, which allows for lighting and air volume control according to occupancy density, achieving ZEB Oriented certification.

[Best Picture]
Rosewood Miyakojima

This villa-style resort hotel is located on a cape surrounded by white sandy beaches, rock formations, and the blue waters of Miyako Island in the north. The 55 guest rooms are arranged in tiers, taking advantage of the undulating terrain, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic ocean views from every room while maintaining privacy. By keeping the building height low and dispersing the buildings, the scale of the hotel when viewed from the ocean side is softened, allowing it to blend into the landscape. Plants on the premises are primarily native to Okinawa, and care has been taken to ensure that the time spent walking around the undulating grounds is a rich experience in itself. Nighttime lighting is limited to reflected and indirect light from the ground, aiming to create a nighttime landscape that blends in with the natural surroundings of Miyako Island.

[Best Picture]
Mitsubishi Pavilion EXPO 2025 OSAKA, KANSAI, JAPAN Expo

This resource-recycling pavilion strives to reduce its environmental impact through a foundation made of reusable steel pipe piles, excavated soil used to develop the site and then backfilled after the event, and the reuse of temporary materials for the interior and facade. By planning the exhibition and architecture as an integrated whole and creating a spatial composition that allows visitors to "experience the story through their physical movement," we have created a temporary building with great cultural value.
Some of the timber and scaffolding used in the main building is scheduled to be reused in the Mitsubishi Museum of the Future (designed by our company), which will be exhibited at the International Horticultural Exposition in 2027. We aimed for a short-circuit architecture, where a system for passing on materials to the next building is incorporated into the design, and the entire process from construction to demolition and reuse is designed in a comprehensive manner, resulting in a small resource cycle.

 [Project introduction page here]

[Best Environment/Technology Award]
Three-pipe cooling system

Using high-temperature chilled water (chilled water at a higher temperature than usual) for cooling purposes makes it possible to improve the overall efficiency of the air conditioning heat source. This time, we further developed the "four-pipe latent and sensible separated heat source system" (a system in which low-temperature chilled water for latent heat treatment and high-temperature chilled water for sensible heat treatment are produced in separate systems), which we previously developed and confirmed to be highly effective in actual projects. Working with Shinryo Corporation, we demonstrated and installed a "three-pipe dynamic range chilled heat source system" at the Shinryo Corporation Innovation Hub Main Building, which achieves "flexible heat source ​Shinryo Innovation Hub​ through the integration of chilled water production systems," "avoidance of efficiency declines due to fluctuations in operating conditions," and "reduction of embodied carbon by reducing the amount of piping." This energy-saving effect contributed to improving the energy efficiency of the entire building, and not only achieved "ZEB" certification, but also achieved a ratio of energy created to energy consumed of approximately 200%. This system was recognized as a new challenge that demonstrates the development of technologies accumulated over many years and is expected to be widely adopted.

[Excellent Environment/Technology Award]
Establishment of a simultaneous calculation scheme for energy-saving performance and whole-life carbon emissions through BIM collaboration and its application to stock buildings

Reducing CO₂ emissions throughout a building's lifecycle (WLC /Whole Life Carbon) is becoming increasingly important as we move towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. However, designers have been required to perform a huge amount of input work to quantify energy savings and WLC reductions.
Therefore, we have developed a scheme that links the energy-saving calculation assistance tool and the WLC calculation tool based on the BIM model, and calculates both simultaneously and efficiently. This has significantly reduced the amount of work required for various input tasks, and made it easier to evaluate performance at the design stage. This scheme makes it possible to "visualize" the CO₂ reduction effects of renovations, and also expands the possibility of ZEB conversion. It contributes to promoting energy-saving renovations and ZEB conversion of existing buildings. We will continue to actively utilize this in new construction and renovation projects, aiming to further improve our proposal capabilities.
The project was highly praised for capturing the overall picture of WLC and showing promise for future development as a highly popular scheme.

[Consulting Award]
Shinjuku Park Tower Hotel renovation planning advisory

This was a large-scale renovation project for the Park Hyatt Tokyo, located on the upper floors of Shinjuku Park Tower, which was completed in 1994. Our company has been involved as the project manager for the building owner since 2019. The core of the project was the renewal and renovation of various core facilities within the building, but the scope of the work was wide-ranging, including the renovation of all guest rooms and the enhancement of common areas.
We provided advice from an engineer's perspective early on, such as understanding the current status of various construction projects and reviewing the process plans, and as an advisor to the client, we formulated the master schedule for the renovation plan, construction details, budget, etc. During the construction phase, we supported the project by acting as a third-party Construction Supervision, striving to ensure high quality.

[Consulting Award]
Total coordination of Tokyo Stock Exchange Building seismic retrofitting and multiple simultaneous renovation works

The Tokyo Stock Exchange Building Building was designed and completed by our company (then Mitsubishi Estate) in 1988. To strengthen the BCP performance of this building, which can be said to be the core of Japanese society and economy, our mission was to carry out the ongoing facility renovation work in parallel with the seismic retrofitting work that was being carried out by a different contractor at different times, while maintaining the functionality of the building.
Taking advantage of the unique features of our Renovation design department, which brings together a wide range of professionals, including design, structure, facilities, Cost Management, and engineering, we conducted extensive studies based on the space, load conditions, and future upgrades, and arrived at the optimal solution of "upgrading the extra-high voltage power receiving equipment and emergency power generation equipment while installing a TMD-type seismic control device on the roof." We were able to successfully increase the value of the building by creating a state-of-the-art seismically controlled building that significantly improved its BCP performance.

[Related release here]

[Consulting Award]
Commercial work related to the construction of Aizuwakamatsu City Hall

This project involves preserving the old city hall, which has long been beloved by the citizens as a symbol of Aizuwakamatsu City, and consolidating and improving the dispersed city hall functions. We acted as the construction manager throughout the project, from the basic concept and concept design stages in 2017 to completion in 2025. We utilized our unique knowledge to conduct comprehensive studies and derive the optimal solution for the challenges of "preserving and utilizing a historic building" and "integrating and reorganizing city halls and making effective use of multiple sites."
Based on a detailed concept design, we were responsible for a wide range of tasks, including selecting a designer after clarifying the preservation conditions and development conditions for multiple sites, and adopting the ECI method, which utilizes construction expertise from the design development stage.We were able to achieve the redevelopment of the government building within schedule, budget, and to meet the required quality.

[Project Management Award]
"(Tentative name) Fukuoka Torikai 6-chome Project" new construction work

This project involved the design and construction of a 72-room residential nursing home in the Torikai area, a residential neighborhood where access to central Fukuoka has improved with the extension of the subway. The goal was to contribute to the local community by providing a nursing home that would serve as "the foundation needed for a diverse society and lifestyles."
As a partner of the business operator (client), we participated in the CM work, creating an environment in which all parties involved could make appropriate decisions, supporting the selection of contractors, and controlling costs by investigating settlement estimates. Furthermore, through technical support for Construction Supervision and contractors during the construction phase, we contributed to ensuring quality and completing the project within budget and schedule. Cooperation between our local Kyushu branch and our head office ensured the smooth progress of the project.

[Project Management Award]
Toranomon 2-chome District Type 1 Urban Redevelopment Project

This project involves the gradual redevelopment of the block containing Toranomon Hospital, the National Printing Bureau, and the Kyodo News Center over a period of 15 years. The themes include the creation of a multi-purpose complex through functional updates and the development of an international medical center.
We participated in schematic design of Toranomon Althea Tower, the Embassy Plaza, and the Akasaka-Toranomon Greenway ^*, and have been continuously involved in the project, handling design direction to ensure that these are meticulously handed over to design development and contractors. We aimed to unify the design of the entire block (we were responsible for schematic design and design development for the pedestrian deck construction and South Plaza), and provided third-party Construction Supervision during the construction phase. In the future, infrastructure construction work will improve the intersection and the Embassy Plaza will be developed, strengthening the pedestrian network with the surrounding area.

* concept design: Nihon Sekkei, schematic design, design direction and Construction Supervision: Nihon Sekkei and Mitsubishi Jisho Design joint venture

[Achievement Award]
Simple commissioning work for decarbonizing existing large buildings: CO2 reduction roadmap development and effectiveness verification

As global interest in climate change risks grows, "feasible planning" and "effectiveness verification" are crucial for ​_CO2 reduction efforts. Building on our recent work examining energy conservation and ZEB conversion for existing buildings, we are now commissioned by building owners to (1) collect and analyze actual operational data for their buildings, (2) develop a feasible "​_CO2 reduction roadmap," and (3) verify its effectiveness. This initiative visualizes the cost-effectiveness of energy-saving performance improvements and supports owners in making appropriate decisions regarding operational improvements and renovation investments. As the government aims to achieve its goal of "ZEB conversion for all buildings by 2050," this need is expected to increase. We will further develop and deepen this scheme, contributing to the decarbonization of society as a whole.

[Achievement Award]
HARUMI FLAG SUN VILLAGE

This is a new urban development project in Tokyo's waterfront area. Of the 21 residential buildings across four blocks, our company was responsible for architectural design and construction supervision of six low-rise buildings and one tower building in the largest block, "SUN VILLAGE." We aimed for a design that would connect with adjacent buildings and blocks, with different facade designers for each block, and we worked through repeated coordination between the government, business operators, and designers to create the design.
The low-rise building will be temporarily used as the Olympic and Paralympic Athletes' Village for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and then converted into apartment buildings. This scheme allows for a residential design that complies with Olympic regulations and meets condominium specifications, and planning was implemented to minimize waste generated during the renovation. The project also involved utilizing energy from a hydrogen station, improving the town's power self-sufficiency rate and emergency preparedness measures by utilizing an ENE-FARM and storage batteries, and building an advanced town management system using ICT.

[Achievement Award]
Kuzumaki Town Complex Government Building

This project involved the design of a complex government building in Kuzumaki Town, located in the northern part of Iwate Prefecture, which will house the government office, financial institutions, a community facility, a disaster prevention center, a fire station, and a large roofed plaza. Our schematic design proposal was selected, and we were responsible for design development and Construction Supervision as a architectural design and construction supervision joint venture ^*.
In creating a vibrant hub for the region, we adopted the sloped roof shape that resulted from the town's "design code" to combat snow accumulation, and actively utilized locally produced wood for the structure, louvers, furniture, etc. We also implemented various energy management methods specialized for cold regions, including the use of geothermal energy for air conditioning. A reconstruction plan that did not require the construction of temporary government buildings reduced the burden on government and residents associated with relocation, and we incorporated the perspective of compact city development not only into the facility functions but also into the overall approach to the project.

* Mitsubishi Jisho Design and Nakai Architectural Design JV

[Achievement Award]
Proposal of CCM (Civil Construction Management) business

With a wide range of specialized engineers in areas such as urban development and architecture, as well as civil engineering and CM, we have launched a "Civil Construction Management (CCM) service" that makes the most of our knowledge in the earliest stages of a development project, from land selection and utilization considerations to planning and conception, to provide technical support for our clients' businesses from an upstream stage. While standard construction management (CM) primarily targets building construction projects, CCM services provide total support throughout the entire project, leveraging the multidisciplinary technical capabilities unique to a comprehensive design office. This service contributes to the smooth progress of projects and the improvement of quality.

[Related release here]

[+EMOTION Award]
Commercial electricity consumption rate study for a multi-purpose building

The social environment surrounding newly constructed buildings has become increasingly unstable in recent years, with construction costs rising sharply. In this environment, many of the buildings in the Otemachi, Marunouchi, and Yurakucho areas where we undertake the design of are equipped with commercial facilities on the lower floors, which are characterized by high electricity consumption. Therefore, we conducted a survey of the actual electricity consumption of the commercial facilities in the building, and found that there was a certain margin compared to the specifications set at the time of design. This meant that it was possible to review the design power capacity as long as it did not affect the business operations of tenants.
This survey and study was carried out in collaboration with Mitsubishi Estate (the building owner) and Mitsubishi Estate Property Management (the building operator). Utilizing Mitsubishi Estate 's cloud-based BEMS (BENI), we were able to incorporate the opinions of those involved in building operations from a variety of perspectives, leading to the rationalization of building design standards.

[+EMOTION Award]
Knowledge sharing initiative through the "MJD Knowledge Portal"

The MJD Knowledge Portal, which began operation in 2024 and was built with the aim of contributing to improved work efficiency and quality, is a company-wide portal site that enables "organizational utilization of individual knowledge and experience," "company-wide information sharing," and "easy access to various manuals and back data." It currently functions as a platform that aggregates knowledge scattered throughout the company and as a "knowledge gateway" where employees can voluntarily post information. With an eye toward expanding the organization to 1,000 people in the near future, plans are underway to develop it into an "integrated communication site" that connects across departments and job functions. Further development is expected as a foundation that supports the promotion of innovation and the fostering of corporate culture.

[+EMOTION Award]
Marugame City bus stop SNS web app "Bus Kame Fan!"

Bus Kame Fan! is a web app that allows users to raise "Kamemaru," a character that lives at each bus stop in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, by posting and sharing requests for bus stops and information about nearby spots. Our company and Pacific Spatial Solutions, Inc., a company that analyzes geospatial data, focused on the issue of declining public transportation ridership in regional cities. As a first step toward encouraging more people to use public transportation and revitalizing the surrounding area, we developed this app after conducting surveys of bus operators and local governments. Going forward, we are considering utilizing user log data, collaborating with the local economy, and expanding the app to local governments facing similar challenges. We aim to utilize digital technology to implement new urban development practices that contribute to the sustainability of local communities.

[Related release here]

[+EMOTION Award]
Strategic collaboration with an eye to the future (Mitsubishi Jisho Design x Central Consultant)

In fiscal 2022, we began personnel exchanges in civil engineering with Central Consultant Co., Ltd., a construction consultant, and in addition to accepting seconded employees, we have continuously held co-creation meetings and working sessions in various fields. The synergies created by these efforts have resulted in results such as the promotion of collaborative projects that utilize the respective areas of expertise of the two companies, joint participation in overseas proposals, and technical exchanges between young employees.
Starting this fiscal year, the content of the collaboration will be shared and developed across the company, and collaboration on sales strategies in the private and public sectors has also begun. Going forward, through wider exchanges and collaborations, we will further strengthen our ability to drive projects forward by leveraging the synergistic effects of the areas in which both parties excel.