The Roppongi: IDA Interior design winner: Nikken Space Design.

The Roppongi: Nikken Space Design.

This project won the Interior Design category for this year's IDA awards. At first glance it looks like a hotel, but is actually a 39 story residential complex in the Roppongi district of Tokyo.

The concept for the public areas was created by Nikken Space Design. It is a play on the juxtaposition of the calm comfort of the building's interiors, and the lively Roppongi street outside.

For the permanent residents of this building privacy is an important consideration. Reinforcing that notion are black stainless steel entrance doors 4.5m high.

Once opened a dark, brooding entrance lobby, which can be read as the unknown, even dangerous city outside is revealed. Despite its chic luxury, it has an edge to it.

That space leads into the light. The white sumptuous lounge; analogous to the serene, luxury and comfort of home, banishes the city, holding its menace at bay.

The tension, and joy of this design, is in the contrast between the two.