International interior architecture firm shares stunning design for mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection
Globally renowned interior design firm Wilson Associates is excited to announce its role with Marriott International for the design of the new mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection. Located in the heart of WATERS Takeshiba, a sprawling new urban development to the east of Tokyo’s central business district, the recently renamed destination will offer travelers near and far an inviting reprieve from the buzzing wharf. Scheduled to open on April 27, 2020, the mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection will feature over 21,000 square meters of exquisitely designed interiors — including 265 inspiring guestrooms and suites, stunning public spaces, and two distinct dining outlets.
“For the Autograph Collection’s second property in Japan, we sought to evoke the philosophy of ‘Kando’ with our design narrative rooted toward the Tokyo Waves branding,” says Aldwin Ong, Principal at Wilson Associates’ Singapore studio. “With each aspect of the design, we wanted to inspire the heart and incite the spirit, engaging all five senses within a five-star hospitality experience.”
Drawing inspiration from the organic movements of the Takeshiba waterfront—recalling the flow of both the people and the waters that surround the mesm Tokyo—the Wilson Associates design concept creates an engaging environment in which cultural tradition and modern innovation coexist in perfect harmony. Employing the richness of local resources and creating unity through a well-appointed art program, the Wilson team cleverly brings together the energy and creativity of the vibrant city with the refined aesthetic of the hotel’s discerning guests. Enlisting local Japanese sculptors to enliven the interiors with abstractions of the coast, the exquisite craftsmanship displayed throughout the hotel organically blends the kinetic and animated nature of Tokyo.
The powerful, visual journey begins in the hotel’s bold, geometric lobby. Angular patterns play on the daylight that floods the guest’s entry experience, creating a compelling canvas for an undulating art installation by Sawada Studios. The intriguing piece captures the softness of the Shioiri No Ike, the only remaining saltwater pond found within the neighboring Hama-rikyu Gardens. An animated communal table sits at the center of the double-volume lobby, inviting activity and social interaction while also showcasing the cultural spirit of the city. The smoky-grey marble path leads guests further inside, where furnishings with soft forms and tactile textures juxtapose the lobby’s strong architectural language. Accent lighting and copper finishes encourage a sense of nostalgia and give the design scheme a distinct personality for visitors to explore.
Private guest rooms and suites are designed to further underscore a meticulous dedication to unexpected luxury, where each experience seeks to delight and comfort visitors. Accommodations are handsomely appointed with inviting tones and intricate detailing—all while capitalizing on sweeping views of the nearby park. Functional spaces include a defined powder room, collapsible closet cubicle, and a spacious living room. Each room is anchored by a bespoke console in its entryway, serving as a platform for the hotel to engage with guests through a rotating offering of personalized surprises.
The detail-oriented design creates a sense of intimacy and nostalgia, re-affirming the emotional undercurrent of ‘Kando’—Wilson Associates’ theme for the hotel. Carrying that energy through the mesm Tokyo’s public spaces, the ballroom and banquet spaces are defined by a tailored simplicity, anchored by accent, lacquered doors that recall the azure hues of the nearby waters — drawing the eye upward to the intricate architectural geometry of the ceiling. Adding a residential layer to the conventional banquet scheme, the design team also incorporated an open kitchen into the space to further reinforce a feeling of familiarity amongst guests.
Beyond the banquet spaces, two unique food and beverage outlets are situated just beyond the lobby. The first, and more formal of the two, Chef’s Theatre, is inspired by the ancient Japanese Kabuki. A suspended art installation anchors the dining room, re-imagining the strong lines of the kimono into a figure decidedly more delicate. Surrounding the installation are furnishings that reflect a modern European character, mirroring the menu’s French “bistronomy” style dishes. The East-West contrast embodies the spirit of Kando, stimulating the senses and engaging the palette.
For a more casual, lounge-style setting, Whisk serves select meals and inventive, original cocktails in an intriguing space. A standout, cantilevered marble bar top acts as Whisk’s central draw, embodying a bold juxtaposition between the surface’s bright reflection and its dark, black composition. Various seating arrangements create further contrast through the use of simple Western lines and sophisticated Eastern detailing—prioritizing guest comfort above all.
The mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection is equal parts old and new –– with reservations opening on October 8, 2019 at 10 a.m. Japan Standard Time. Achieving more with less, Wilson Associates designed a holistic experience, committed to surprising, inciting, and thrilling both the heart and the spirit.
