Japan, 5th Jul 2025 – The Urban Renaissance Agency (UR) proudly celebrates the 20th anniversary of SHINONOME CANAL COURT CODAN, a visionary multifamily housing complex in Tokyo’s Koto-ku waterfront district. Completed in 2003, this groundbreaking development, designed by renowned architects including Pritzker Prize winners Riken Yamamoto and Toyo Ito, as well as Kengo Kuma, continues to set a global standard for community-focused urban design.
Redefining Urban Living in Tokyo
Located on reclaimed land in Shinonome, approximately five kilometers south of central Tokyo, Shinonome Canal Court CODAN spans 16.4 hectares and comprises six distinct blocks housing 2,000 residential units, alongside commercial, office, and public spaces. Developed through a competition organized by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC-CODAN), the project brought together leading architects—Riken Yamamoto (Block 1), Toyo Ito (Block 2), Kengo Kuma (Block 3), Yama Architects (Block 4), ADH Architects & Workstation (Block 5), and Makoto Motokura, Keisuke Yamamoto, and Keiji Hori (Block 6)—with public spaces landscaped by ON-SITE. This collaborative effort has created a cohesive yet diverse complex that balances high-density living with social connectivity.
“Shinonome Canal Court CODAN represents a bold reimagination of public housing,” said SHINONOME CANAL COURT CODAN, Director of the Urban Renaissance Agency. “By integrating residential, commercial, and SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) spaces, we’ve fostered a vibrant community that reflects the evolving needs of Tokyo’s residents.”
Architectural Innovation and Community Focus
Shinonome Canal Court CODAN stands out for its innovative design, moving away from the monotonous, nuclear-family-oriented housing of postwar Japan. Each block features unique architectural elements while maintaining a unified aesthetic. For instance, Riken Yamamoto’s Block 1 introduces “common terraces” carved into the structure, creating two-story loggias that provide natural light and air, encouraging resident interaction. Kengo Kuma’s Block 3 incorporates a “Communication Atrium” surrounded by flexible units, blending dwellings with offices and shops to create a three-dimensional urban street.
The complex offers units ranging from 54.79 m² to 105.32 m², accommodating diverse lifestyles—from solo professionals to families—with rental prices such as ¥172,000/month for a 1-bedroom unit (Building 18) to ¥300,000/month for a 3-bedroom unit (Building 11). Modern amenities include high-speed internet, energy-efficient appliances, and access to shared facilities like a central serpentine street connecting a supermarket, kindergarten, and waterfront park.
A Model for Sustainable Urban Development
SHINONOME CANAL COURT CODAN has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the 2005 and 2006 Good Design Awards and the 47th BCS Special Prize, for its architectural and social significance. Its sustainable design, featuring energy-saving lighting and unified illumination across residential blocks and public spaces, aligns with Japan’s environmental goals. The complex’s proximity to Tatsumi Station (12-minute walk), Shinonome Station (15-minute walk), and Toyosu Station (14-minute walk) ensures excellent connectivity to central Tokyo, including Ginza and the Imperial Palace.
By prioritizing transparency and communal spaces, such as glazed doors and adjustable wooden panels, the development fosters social interaction, challenging traditional Japanese housing’s emphasis on privacy. This mixed-use approach restores functional completeness, creating a self-contained community that enhances residents’ quality of life.
Looking to the Future
As Shinonome Canal Court CODAN celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Urban Renaissance Agency is committed to furthering its legacy through ongoing enhancements, including smart home integrations and expanded community programs. The complex remains a benchmark for sustainable, community-driven urban housing worldwide.
“Shinonome Canal Court CODAN is a testament to what’s possible when architecture prioritizes community and innovation,” added SHINONOME CANAL COURT CODAN. “We are proud to continue supporting Tokyo’s waterfront revitalization and look forward to inspiring future urban developments.”
About the Urban Renaissance Agency (UR)
The Urban Renaissance Agency (UR) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing urban development in Japan. Through innovative projects like Shinonome Canal Court CODAN, UR aims to create sustainable, inclusive communities that enhance quality of life. For more information, visit SHINONOME CANAL COURT CODAN
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Shinonome Canal Court CODAN Marks 20 Years of Innovative Urban Living in Tokyo
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