Kobe has a unique geographical context in Japan, with breathtaking views both inland to Mt. Rokko and to the broad expanse of Osaka Bay to the south. The landscape design of SunCity Tower Kobe, a landmark senior community in this newly developed city district, celebrates this environment. The tower is tucked into the northwest corner of the site, setting it away from a major public boulevard. This allows the low-rise nursing wing on the east perimeter and the single-story public program to frame a tranquil, on-grade stroll garden court that features a waterscape inspired by regional hydrology patterns. The development’s formal arrival court at the site’s southwest corner is set apart from adjacent “big box” retail by a generous landscape setback, providing a park-like backdrop for Sun City Hall and the Tea Lounge, two important public spaces. The property as a whole draws on Kobe’s striking mountain, city, and sea features while establishing a new standard of design, service, and care for seniors in the Kansai region.
Gotham West
Gotham West is a residential development west of Times Square that nearly encompasses a full city block. The space between two mid-rise buildings and a market-rate tower forms a signature courtyard accessed from the tower’s lobby. A sculptural Japanese maple, floating within a reflecting pool, serves as a focal feature. Other courtyard elements include illumin...
Fuzhou Vanke City
The Yongtai project, located inside the Red Cliff Scenic Area, borders the Dazhang River and consists of a 45-hectare watershed area surrounded by 12 small hills. It features a boutique hotel, a shopping street, clubhouses, residential high-rises, townhouses, and detached homes. The overall project plan calls for housing clusters that follow the natural site t...
Park WellState Nishiazabu Tower
With over a third of its population above the age of 65, Japan has the oldest population of any country in the world. To meet the growing needs of seniors, innovative companies across the country have created elder-focused developments and programs that center core values of dignified, social, and active aging—including Park Wellstate, the senior division of h...
Larkspur Courts
SWA was hired to help reclaim an abandoned quarry into an attractive residential village. The program called for 256du on 12.5 net acres, a density of 2.5 du/acre. The City of Larkspur required that 97 of the total units be family units. They defined family units as residences with two or more bedrooms and located not more than one level above grade. The City ...