East Japan Railway Co. will begin construction within this month of its planned new station on Yamanote Line between Shinagawa and Tamachi stations. The world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma is responsible for the design, while a joint venture of JR East Consultants Co. and JR East Design Corp. will draw the blueprint. A group of contractors Obayashi and Tekken will launch construction works in a full swing early next year in the 13ha-plot in Shinagawa-ku, aiming at tentative inauguration in 2020, followed by full opening in 2024 in line with completion of surrounding developments.

The station building will have an underground floor and three above with total floor area of 7,6000 m2. While the design of the grand roof is inspired by origami crafts, wooden pillars and roof frames along with white membrane represent Japanese traditional Shoji screen. PV panels and small wind power generators will be installed with an aim of energy use reduction and the highly reflective membrane roof of sunlight can prevent the feeling temperature from rising inside the buidling.

The railway operator is planning to develop the site which was once used as the rolling stock yard, to build a total million square meter high rises consisting of offices, a hotel and retail shops, set open in 2024. (2016/09/07)