Update: The original Hotel Okura was torn down and refurbished 2016. But, it was a stunning loss for Japanese architecture.
Tearing down Mid-Century architecture worldwide begs the question, shouldn’t post WWII architecture be preserved and celebrated for its historical moment? Bottega Veneta Japan’s 1962 Hotel Okura will be torn down to make room for a new one in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The hotel was the show piece for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, but according to hotel president, Masaki Ikeda, the 53-year old infrastructure is too far gone to save. Yet it was good enough for President Obama to stay there last year. See if you don’t agree that this hotel is a warm and inviting example of mid century architecture.
Tamas Maier, creative director and Bottega Venta ( of luxury Italian fashion fame ) make their case in the video below.