Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower Claims 2006 "Good Design" Award

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. October 14, 2008

HONG KONG, December 5, 2006. Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, designed by Cesar Pelli and home to luxury hotel Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo has been designated the 2006 recipient of the Good Design Award for architectural design. The coveted "G-Mark" prize, now in its 50th year, is bestowed annually by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization (JIDPO) to recognize achievements in design that both enhance quality of life and contribute to advances in industry.

The 38-storey, multi-use tower was cited for its successful fusion of historical preservation with commercial development. Completed in July of last year, the tower connects via a glass-panel bridge passing though a light-filled, 26-metre high atrium to the Mitsui Main Building, a registered Cultural Heritage Property erected in 1929. The older building, like the adjacent Mitsukoshi Department Store and Bank of Japan, are all symbolic of the district's monumental edifices featuring European Classical designs. The tower's lower floors of granite and glass maintain continuity and a sense of unity with these historic surroundings, repeating the rhythm of Mitsui Main Building's fluted columns and its 31-metre high cornice. Above the grand podium, office floors introduce a facade which yield to a soaring modern combination of steel and glass, which on the highest floors accommodate the recessed exclusive hotel section. The G-Mark award recognizes the property's landmark role in upgrading architectural functionality and features while preserving the inherent charms of the historical cityscape of Nihonbashi.

The design of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo also dynamically fuses the old and new. The hotel occupies the 3rd and top nine floors of the tower, including portions within the atrium of the tower's 1st and 2nd floors, and the interlinked 4th floor of the historical Mitsui Main Building. The oversized hotel guestrooms, restaurants and spa take full advantage of the soaring non-obstructed views and modern conveniences within the crown of the tower while the banquet and conference facilities housed in the stately main building afford guests the unique privilege of utilizing a registered Important Cultural Property for their special occasions.

Custom made fabrics and textiles of modern materials draw generously from the traditions of Japanese art and rich culture while reflecting both the merchant origins of Nihonbashi and the progressive sensitivities of modern Japan.

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is offering two accommodation packages in celebration of the hotels first anniversary. The MO Celebration package, available from 1 to 31 December and priced at JPY 1.22 million inclusive of tax and service charge, offers one night of accommodation for two in the 250 m2 Presidential Suite; round-the-clock butler service; dedicated use of a chauffered Rolls-Royce Phantom; a private, multi-course dinner for six personally prepared by the Executive Chef and served in the dining room of the suite; a personally engraved bottle of premium Champagne; one customized two hour spa treatment for two guest and a luxurious Champagne breakfast. The MO Peaceful Winter package, available now through 29 December, offers a 90-minute spa treatment for two with a refreshing platter of fresh fruits; a full American breakfast at the K'shiki restaurant; and one night of accommodation for two in the 50 m2 Deluxe Room (JPY 100,000, or JPY 110,000 inclusive for Saturday nights or nights prior to a public holiday) or the 60 m2 Premier Grand Room (JPY 105,000 or JPY 115,000 for Saturday nights or nights prior to a public holiday).