Hermès's Asian headquarters is a masterpiece of the architectural diversity of the Ginza district (8 photos)
Category: Architecture, Interior, PEGI 0+
Today, 01:39
The house's façade is made of 13,000 42.8 cm x 42.8 cm glass blocks, which weave a "glass veil" and create the effect of a huge lantern illuminating Ginza at night. The projecting façade, facing the side street, creates the appearance of two side-by-side slabs—a strategy that utilizes the extremely narrow and deep site.
This choice is inspired by the traditional paper lanterns that adorn the entrance to traditional Japanese homes.
The blocks themselves were designed by Renzo Piano and the Seves glassworks in Florence specifically to meet strict fire safety regulations and ensure earthquake stability. The flexible metal frame of the structure was also designed to withstand strong seismic impacts. 
