Keio Plaza Hotel, which pioneered the development of the Shinjuku sub-center and opened its doors in 1971, set forth a new way of thinking about hotels, known as the “Plaza Ideology.” It was also a pioneer in introducing the latest technology and architectural concepts in the hotel industry.
One of the most notable features of the hotel was its exterior design. It was the first building in Japan to use a precast concrete curtain wall construction method for a skyscraper. The hotel’s unique building structure, with a shallow depth, required a change from the traditional metal exterior panels to heavy concrete panels. This resulted in a strong and stable exterior that could withstand earthquakes and strong winds. This construction technique was a groundbreaking achievement at the time and has since been used in many other buildings.
Furthermore, the hotel’s exterior color was chosen with the concept of “how to layout the blue sky.” The off-white color was a departure from the traditional dark red brick color that was commonly used for hotels at the time. This flexible and innovative idea helped to create a sophisticated and beautiful appearance that was unique to Keio Plaza Hotel.
The off-white exterior, elegant curves on the walls, and slender silhouette stood out against the clear blue sky. Many people who witnessed the hotel being built on the vast former water purification plant site felt a sense of excitement, admiration, and anticipation for the new era.
Now, 50 years since its opening, Keio Plaza Hotel’s pioneering spirit in both software and hardware aspects of the hotel industry remains strong. We will continue to adapt to the styles of each era and strive to provide new and innovative proposals to our guests.
