spiral christmas tree by yuji okitsu illuminates tadao ando's japanese commercial complex

YUJI OKITSU’s tree illuminates tadao ando’s Omotesando Hills

This festive season, Japanese architect Yuji Okitsu illuminates Omotesando Hills, Tokyo, with a dazzling installation, the Christmas Tree of Light. Standing 8.4 meters tall, the spiral-shaped centerpiece is crafted from 40,000 precision-cut Fresnel lenses. Installed within the expansive atrium of the commercial complex designed by Tadao Ando, the luminous design integrates architecture, light, and holiday cheer.

The spiral form of the tree is inspired by the iconic ramp of the building, a defining feature of Ando’s architecture, which spirals around the atrium. Layered ribbons of 5.5 cm lenses, each just 0.3 mm thick, create an ever-changing interplay of light and reflection. As visitors walk along the spiraling path, the shimmering surface of the tree evolves, embodying the dynamic energy of the district.

all images by Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of Yuji Okitsu

kaleidoscopic ornaments complete the christmas installation

Designed for the Omotesando Hills Christmas 2024 event, the Christmas Tree of Light reflects the vibrant cultural exchanges and diversity of Omotesando. Beyond the central installation by Tokyo-based designer Yuji Okitsu, the design extends to the atrium with kaleidoscopic ornaments. These polygonal structures, made of thin, crystal-patterned lenses, hover gracefully above the tree and the grand staircase. With a diameter of up to 90 centimeters, the ornaments refract and multiply reflections of the tree, holiday decorations, and visitors’ movements. The result is a kaleidoscope-like spectacle that immerses guests in a multidimensional experience.

The interplay between the lenses and light animates the tree and captures the essence of Omotesando’s cultural history. As the ornaments reflect the bustling scene of the building and its surroundings, the installation invites visitors to explore the space and discover its transformative views. By day or night, the Christmas Tree of Light offers a one-of-a-kind holiday spectacle.

the Christmas tree set up in the distinctive atrium and grand staircase designed by Tadao Ando

Christmas Tree of Light takes advantage of the open atrium space at Omotesando Hills

the tree and ornaments, all made of lenses, create a light installation

ribbon-shaped lenses form a spiral

designed for the Omotesando Hills Christmas 2024 event

lens ornaments reflect Christmas tree of Light like a kaleidoscope

the image reflected on the ornaments changes as you walk along the spiral slope

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the spiral form of the tree is inspired by the iconic ramp of the building

the ornaments refract and multiply reflections of the tree

the interplay between the lenses and light animates the tree

the ornaments reflect the bustling scene of the building

project info:

name: Christmas tree of Light
designer:  Yuji Okitsu | @yujiokitsu

location: Tokyo, Japan

photographer: Satoshi Nagare 

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom